Speak the words ... say the things ... and love

Originally Published July 1, 2021

July 1st - this year our country sits in the "in-between" of pride and gratefulness ... shame, grief, and need for more truth and reconciliation.

Yet today, I will sit in knowing that my dad would be turning 86 today ... that today is his birthday ... that Canada Day was always about my dad ... and celebrating him ... about many years of July 1st spent at the cabin making memories and celebrating him, Ernie, Dad, Grandpa.

It's been 11 years since we celebrated his last birthday with him - his 75th - and on that day, knowing there were just a few days remaining. It was a good day - he felt good - we laughed, we cried, we held together in the deep richness of the meal together, the time and space we shared together. The deep richness of the moment. A moment when we were all truly present to who and what matters most, knowing it would be gone in a few short days.

He died 6 days later. It was a devastating and extremely difficult time for me. In his last months, my dad led the way to healing and repairing decades of pain within my family - we spoke the words, said all the things, shared in the grief we had carried for decades, forgave ourselves and each other. We held on, we let go ... and we loved.

We spoke the words ... said all the things ... forgave ... and were forgiven ... held on, let go ... and loved.

I talk with him regularly. He shows up when I need him. He reminds me always of my own knowing and strength. He shows me that I am most definitely, my father's daughter.

He reminds me of who and what matters most.

He reminds me always to speak the words, say the things ... and love. In the end, that's all that matters.

Happy birthday, Dad. I miss you terribly.

... speak the words ... say the things ... and love. In the end, that's all that matters.

____________

About the author:

Karen Hendrickson is an Elevation Coach, focused on helping others to rewrite their life story, befriend their mortality, and find the richness and magic that lives at the intersection of our lives where life and death meet. When we allow our authentic self permission to shine our life becomes full of MAGIC and GREATNESS.  Contact karenttjourney@gmail.com and start working with her today!