Seems like a simple enough notion, doesn't it? When I was a kid I first heard the Latin term carpe diem in a movie. It sounded kind of brainy and positive, so I bought a t-shirt and made it my mantra. Way back then, I had a very loose interpretation of the words and generally considered it to be a blazon rebel call to venture out into crazy new adventures. Today, with my innocence a few days (alright, several decades) behind me, I still like to think of it in that way, but I've also embraced the essence of the term on a much simpler spiritual level.
My younger self focused on forging forward into unchartered territory, where my weathered soul now recognizes the beauty in seizing the simpler moments and memories with the ones I love.
Today was a very special day for me and my father. The first time in over 20 years we've spent Father's Day together. The last Father's Day we shared together we had no idea that he would move so far away, and then I would move, and the years would pass too quickly and then he would get so sick.
I realize every single moment I spend with my dad is special, because he and I cannot deny the number of days we have left together is finite. Before his diagnosis, we never thought of it that way. I suspect no one ever does. But when stage four cancer rears it's ugly head, it slaps you into reality mighty quick. And as my dad passionately fought the vicious disease, my mom was also fighting something. Alone. In March, while my dad was sleeping off his latest chemotherapy, my mom made breakfast and passed away before her meal was done. I didn't have a chance to say goodbye or to thank my mom for the gifts she'd given me, but during these very valuable days I have left with my dad, I'm determined to seize every moment to honor and show my unyielding love to him.
Carpe Diem to the great fathers of the world and the children who adore them.
Happy Father's Day.
My younger self focused on forging forward into unchartered territory, where my weathered soul now recognizes the beauty in seizing the simpler moments and memories with the ones I love.
Today was a very special day for me and my father. The first time in over 20 years we've spent Father's Day together. The last Father's Day we shared together we had no idea that he would move so far away, and then I would move, and the years would pass too quickly and then he would get so sick.
I realize every single moment I spend with my dad is special, because he and I cannot deny the number of days we have left together is finite. Before his diagnosis, we never thought of it that way. I suspect no one ever does. But when stage four cancer rears it's ugly head, it slaps you into reality mighty quick. And as my dad passionately fought the vicious disease, my mom was also fighting something. Alone. In March, while my dad was sleeping off his latest chemotherapy, my mom made breakfast and passed away before her meal was done. I didn't have a chance to say goodbye or to thank my mom for the gifts she'd given me, but during these very valuable days I have left with my dad, I'm determined to seize every moment to honor and show my unyielding love to him.
Carpe Diem to the great fathers of the world and the children who adore them.
Happy Father's Day.
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