Saturday, June 6, 2009

Goodbyes


What we have once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we deeply love becomes a part of us. ~Helen Keller

Eight summers ago, my wonderful father left this world. Although I can no longer eat a Dove ice cream bar(with almonds) with him, or laugh with him at something funny one of the boys said; he is still a part of my life. I think about him almost daily. then there are some days it just hits me. The "he really isn't gonna come walking in the door,is he" feeling. Today is one of those days. Maybe because I was reminded yesterday how precious life is. How quickly it can be taken away. How we have very little control over the when, the wheres, the hows. Hopefully, when my times comes, I will be surrounded by people I love. My friend Celeste was. She passed away peacefully yesterday with her husband and parents beside her. Celeste was an amazing young woman...today would have been her 40th birthday. I wish we had stayed in touch. From what I have learned from our mutual friend, Laura, she was a wonderful attorney , a loving wife and a great friend to many. She was the kind of person you were lucky to have on your side. Someone who went out of their way to help others. Many will miss her~ she will be a part of us now~and we are better for knowing her.

I know my dad lives on in me, in my brothers, our kids. My younger brother sometimes makes faces that look just like my dad. It is comforting yet breaks my heart a little. As much as I long for him to walk in the door, I do know that I will see him again one day. Until then, I am going to try to live my life in a way that would make him smile. I am going to love these wild children of mine and cherish each day I am given. Growing older with my family is a gift to be appreciated. Goodbye Celeste, if you see my daddy today-tell him it is your birthday-I bet he gives you a Dove bar.

5 comments:

Geri said...

Wow, we are totally on the same page today! *hugs to ya!

Amy said...

back at cha. I was thinkin the same.

Nej said...

Very well written!!

My mother lost a friend this weekend. Her and her husband always come to our camping family reunion each year. (Our family is small...so we've started asking friends to come - they are just as much family as anyone else!!) Anyway, my mom was talking to her about the trip this year. They were both so excited about it, as her friend wasn't able to come last year. My mom rec'd news the NEXT morning that this friend had passed later that same night. Massive heart attack, unexpected is an understatement.

Living each day like it's your last really seems important when I hear stories like yours, or my moms. :-(

Amy said...

I am so sorry for your loss Jen.

Anonymous said...

So sweet!