WHAT IS IMPORTANT IN LIFE...

what do you see???

An unbeliever was flying over a mountain range...and taking pictures of the snow and land.
When he developed the pictures and saw , not snow and land, but saw something that changed his life forever...

January 2009

In an era where it wasn't "chic" they were ahead of their time! Of all the gifts that my mother and dad gave to their children, and they were many...was an ability to see people through Christ-like eyes/ As I have reflected on the Churches he Pastored, my father walked the talk, and instilled within each of us the importance of seeing people as God created them to be.

They would be so proud today...my father would have been calling me, and emailing me...but they would be proud, as I am...and as I started watching on the Television the Inaugural activities of Barack Obama, I thanked them for giving me the love to appreciate this day...and its meaning.

I understand ...

I understand now, particularly my dad, but also mother. I understand that as we get old, and have less control of our lives, why we feel that others don't understand us...Dad was always telling me that I didn't understand why he did the things he did, and he was RIGHT. I did not understand. When others make decisions or when we cannot, it is difficult to give up this ability. Now I understand when Dad would do something which HE decided to do, and he was just trying to help us believe that he still COULD...and I didn't understand. But I do now. Even when he knew it was the wrong decision, it was a decision.

I had this desire to get in my car and go somewhere. No one would know where I was. I know that after the stroke, this would not be a good decision. But like you Dad, I want to let my family know that I CAN...even though I can't. I'm sorry DAD that I didn't understand that you felt as though you lost your ability to live, and people like me told you what to do and when. I am sorry that I didn't understand when we paid for everything, and you felt as though you had to ASK permission and have people give you the money... I am sorry, and wish I could TELL you...but I DO understand.

As the years come and go, we feel unable to make decisions, and this I have found true in living amidst the elderly...and with .drs. You would complain to me Dad when Philip advocated for you, but THIS was what I DID for others through the years, made sure that they were cared for as human beings...and now it seems, that when we get older no one LISTENS to us, and you and Mother always did as did Ez...when you all died, I realized that I was the oldest, and began keeping or trying to keep to myself, lest they get tired of hearing... I apologize for all the times when I didn't listen with an understanding heart to you Dad...even though you listened to me...both of you...
Here at the Towers, everybody tries to tell us what to feel what to do, and the sad thing is that we begin to FEEL OLD...and useless...and it's like the card I saw recently "used to care but now I take a pill for that...." and the saddest aspect Dad is that I understand how you felt...

JANUARY 14

'SURELY A STAR IS DANCING IN THE HEAVENS TO CELEBRATE THE DAY YOU WERE BORN." I recall that day, when Heather was visiting in Florida with Nana and Father...and on Sunday the 14th you arrived in that little Hospital, in Sidney, NY. What joy you brought with you to complete our "family circle.'
My memories of holding you on my lap, and your finger in mine playing Heart and Soul... Little did we realize what you would bring to our lives, and the world. Though separated in miles, I am this Tuesday night reliving the wonderful moments of your arrival, and the joy you have brought to Mom, Heather and myself.

Of all that you have done, I am proudest of the fact that you and Heather, have inherited all the wonderful qualities that made your mother such a special person...I celebrate YOU this day, and celebrate as only a Father could, your wonderful being, your family, Heather, and I am so very grateful that God blessed me having you and Heather as my daughters, and Mom as your mother and mentor. Happy Birthday...as the star dances in the Heavens... Dad

Together for all Eternity...