Written April 2017
As I approach my Dad's third birthday after his death (he
would be turning 63 years old), I am flooded with emotion. I still think about
him everyday. I still cry, but not as much. I try to focus on how great he was,
instead of how sad I am. I still really miss him. I have dreams with him in
them. I love them. We are usually traveling, or he is helping me with something. He had so
many great qualities, but lately I have been thinking of one in particular. My
dad was very nice. My dad would take time to talk to people, but mostly listen
to people. He was aware of what people needed, a listening ear. He would say
hello to strangers, and could tell if they needed a listening ear. He would
slow down to talk to his neighbors. He would also listen to his family and
friends. He would truly hear them. In the couple years before his death, I was
in an odd phase, trying to learn how to transition to a mom. I felt I had a lot
to complain about. It was hard for me. My dad would call often to check on me.
He always validated how I felt, seemed to really feel it with me, and always
tell me it would get better. Somehow, the way he listened to me helped. He
would say, "I've been thinking a lot about you." Somehow, he knew how
to just slow down and allow these type of moments to happen. He would wave to
people he didn't know, and be so kind to everyone. He was much nicer than me. I
get caught up in rushing around and my life, but a few moments of being nice
can make a big difference. I'm trying to listen like he did, to be there for
people who need just a couple of minutes with a nice person. I've had a few
experiences with people lately, that I've seen when I do that, it feels really
good. Our foreman for our landscaping project, reminds me of my dad. He is
probably the same age, and he has the calm, listening personality. Mark and
I've had such nice, fun conversations with him. Those kind of people are rare.
So this year, to celebrate my Dad, I'm going to try and be more in tune to
those around me. To slow down, and be aware of those people who just need
someone to be nice, and a listening ear for a few minutes.
For my dad, I have a church calling. I feel that I can honor
him that way. I know he would be happy. I am a primary teacher, and it can
drain on me sometimes. My dad would do things sometimes, not because he wanted
to, but because it was the right thing to do. He would always come around to
feeling like it was really good for him and sometimes really enjoying it. I'm
trying to do this too.
