Hello Dad,

today is January 7th

the same date seventeen years ago

at the wee hour of the morning

when I held you in my arms as you

struggled and breathe your last.

The last time Mom and I visited you

at the cemetery was quite some time ago

Not that we have forgotten you but

we believe your spirit dwells

in our hearts and not at the place

where we laid you to rest.

I’m glad I visited you today, Dad

I believe you were at the cemetery too.

I found peace within as I reminisce on the

lessons learned after your passing…

Life is too short to be grumpy

There’s hope in the midst of adversity.

Our success or failures does not

define who we are.

Life is about being joyful.

And there’s joy…

in being yourself

in giving & sharing

in the midst of pain and suffering,

May we find the strength

to let go of our past…

the years of pain and difficulties that

we had somehow survived and have made

 us more compassionate and resilient.

May our hearts be filled with

love, joy and  peace

as we continue to live

joyfully in the moment.