The Letter to my Father

Summary

The author reflects on his relationship with his late father, finding echoes of him in his son, and uses memories and lessons learned to teach his child about life and the importance of remembering loved ones.

Abstract

On the occasion of his father's birthday, the author pens a heartfelt letter expressing the impact of his father's life and death on him. The father, who passed away at a young age, lives on through the author's memories and in the mannerisms of the author's five-year-old son. The author recounts the complexities of their relationship, marked by moments of joy and sorrow, and acknowledges the life lessons derived from his father's experiences, particularly in overcoming life's challenges. He emphasizes the importance of cherishing both the joyful and painful memories, as they serve as a bridge to the past and a guide for the future. The author encourages readers to share their memories of lost loved ones, as these stories are instrumental in teaching children about love and life's valuable lessons.

Opinions

The author believes that the memories of his father are a precious inheritance that continues to influence his life and the life of his son.
He suggests that the act of remembering is a powerful tool for personal growth and a way to honor those who have passed away.
The author views the difficulties faced by his father as transformative experiences that can inspire resilience and inspiration in others.
He holds the opinion that the grief associated with loss is a natural part of life and should not be shied away from; instead, it should be embraced as a part of the healing process.
The author implies that sharing stories of the deceased is crucial for maintaining their legacy and for teaching future generations about the past.
He expresses gratitude for the time spent with his father and the ongoing influence of his father's life on his own.

Memories for your Birthday

Happy Birthday.

This is the significance of every March 14th. You would have been 62. The world lost you 9 years ago. A young man still. The pieces of you I lost I now find in my five-year old son. A subtle reminder of your temper and the sly smile. He also is a determined soul and unwilling to compromise.

There are reminders daily and your images flash in my thoughts. There are moments when I stand and gaze into nothing. New memories I have while peering into my previous self and the swerving road of our relationship. These are called gifts. I use gifts to teach my son about the lessons we learn. There were glimpses of levity and laughter on occasion. There were moments that were darker and whispers of sorrow. Sadness into the degree we would never externally speak of.

Remembering the difficulties. These moments you encountered but willingly turned into life lessons and large flutters of inspiration. A daily reminder to myself of avoiding the pitfalls of self-pity. Alternatively, it’s a reminder to spend our moments of weakness thinking of our past loved ones.

There are those who struggle to create more for us by giving pieces of themselves. Surviving just a bit longer in this world for a few more blissful moments. Cancer takes with no regard and without prejudice. There is no consideration or bargaining. We are here and then we aren’t.

The moments we grieve with memories of sadness are as important as the authentic moments of joy. Our deceased are never gone unless they are forgotten. Never stop sharing memories. Memories teach our children the important lessons with love. These are my thoughts continuously of you. Never will my mind let you go.

A letter to my father.

Image courtesy of Shawn Taylor

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