Today is my dad’s birthday. December 12. I am sure he is having
his best celebration yet. We are left with memories of him and past birthdays
celebrated, while it hurts, it is also sweet. My dad was a celebrator. He
celebrated life. He celebrated people. He celebrated special moments. His
unique, intuitive ability to cherish what was important to you was life giving.
He brought life out of people. He valued you for the traits that make you who
you are. He didn’t pretend to know everything about your interests and hobbies-
that was for you to tell, but he wanted to hear all about it. He was thoughtful
in his pursuit of people. Before Robby and I were even actually dating I had
mentioned to my dad that Robby grew up playing soccer. By the time they met, my
dad knew which CIF games Robby had won, where he had played in Orange County
and even had the date he played at my high school to see if he could remember
seeing the cheerleaders practice. In the few months since my dad has been in
Heaven we had heard many heart melting stories of thoughtful ways my dad sought
out friendship.
My dad’s life exhibited his firm belief that life should be
embraced and celebrated. Pools were made for cannon balls, whale rides and
handstands. Lakes were made for wakeboarding, wake surfing, and tubing. Songs
were meant for singing, even if you don’t know the lyrics. Music was made for
dancing, even if clapping is your best move. Oceans were made for swimming and
families were made for treasuring. The truth is evident in the memories. My dad
soaked in every ounce of his life. I encourage you, I even ask you, to
celebrate today. To look at your life and the people in it as my dad would
have- full of opportunities to be seized. ‘This is the day the Lord has made.
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.’
*A side note- I believe at the bottom of the page you can subscribe, so you will get emails whenever I post.
such a lovely tribute! xoxoxo
ReplyDelete