Above and Beyond

Dear Dad,

A note to you in heaven.

I think of you often as my experiences bring your wisdom to mind. Sometimes life imposes current challenges in my life that I would have sworn you had already firmly taken care of with grace and honor before you left this world. For instance, your service as an officer and a gentleman in the United States Navy during WWII is a memory of you that comes to my mind presently. You and Mom were part of the “Greatest Generation,” a generation that came together and saved our world and democracy. I wish you were here now to share that experience with our country for I feel it may be currently on the edge of a cliff. While I know our country’s history, I regret not asking you questions when you were alive about your personal experiences during your time in the service. I wish you were here now to share those experiences from those days to inform and educate the public. Your life story would enlighten and give greater understanding to those who need to widen their lens. You would help people to see the big picture from a historical perspective so that lessons do not have to be repeated. You would be a voice of reason just as you were in my life.

I do not know the specifics of your days of service Dad, but I do know that as a father you lived intentionally and loved unconditionally. I felt your love and service to our country and to our family. There is not a day that goes by that I do not think of you and am grateful that you were my Dad in this lifetime.

In your later years, it was my honor to take care of You and Mom in your last chapters. I knew that it was something I was destined to do ever since I was a little girl. I was about seven years old, when I remember nervously asking Mom one day if I would see you and her after you both died. Mom said, “I think so.” Her tone was not definitive and I remember feeling anxious hearing her answer. I vowed somewhere inside myself to stay close and enjoy both of you for as long as possible. So, living with you and watching over you and Mom for your last chapters of life was a gift. Given your physical and mental health during that time, it was both challenging and a sacred task. But…I also know that raising us six kids had its own set of trials and tribulations. I was there! I remember. You gave it your all and you did your best. Just as I did when I took care of you both.

Please know that I am so full of gratitude for all the blessings.

Just a few days ago, three of my women friends and myself gathered as we frequently do to share a meal and reconnect. At this gathering, my friend Michele asked us all a question.

The question was… “What is the greatest compliment you have ever received?”

Upon hearing that question, it was your face Dad, that came immediately to my mind and made my eyes water. The compliment you gave me came when I was taking care of you and Mom. That was a profound moment for me when what you had taught and modeled to me over my lifetime came through as a mirror of you. It was the time when you nudged Mom’s shoulder gesturing to her to look over at me, and while pointing at me you said,

“She goes above and beyond.”

And so did you Dad. So did you.

Love,

Kathleen