One year ago today, our father passed away tragically and unexpectedly. This year has undoubtedly been the most challenging of our lives. The void cannot and will not ever be filled. Yet, what have I learned this past year from this experience and the experiences to follow? I believe all things happen for a Divine reason – and one such reason may be to teach us lessons which we need to learn.
Be Present in the Moment. Yes, I wrote a book about this popular adage several years ago. This phrase has become almost a cliché in the world today. It cannot be under emphasized. We are not guaranteed anything in this world. Literally, all we have is this very moment. We never know when we leave someone’s presence, if that is the last time we will see them on this planet. Fortunately, our clear recognition of this throughout our lives, gave us countless valuable and treasured times with Daddy, specifically during the last two weeks of his life. It was and is a Gift. We have a sacred responsibility to embrace each and every moment as if it were to be our last…..lesson #1.
True and selfless friends are gifts. Gretchen and I have been humbled and filled with gratitude for the loyal friendships of so many. We were touched by the outpouring of love and support this time last year…..and the ongoing interest relative to our mom, as well. Whether it was the abundance of food, thoughtfulness of cards and calls, the patience of a listening ear, or the generosity of donations in memory of our father…….the flow of love was appreciated more than words can express. Yes, there were (are) those whom we did not hear from – and still have not heard from – yet, we choose to embrace the love of those who choose to live the Golden Rule in thought, word, AND deed. Recently, a wise friend stated that it is never a big deal until it happens to you. And this can be so true, as this has been revealed in spades through this experience. Thus lesson #2: it will be ever-present in my heart and mind, especially given this most recent experience, to make the call, send the card, give the donation, take the time, leave the message, send the email….with no expectations. This fills my heart…..and as my momma always taught us….treat others the way you would want to be treated, and then you will always sleep well at night.
Parents’ lessons do not stop – ever. I was sharing with a dear family friend late last week that daddy (and momma) taught us so many things over our 50+ years of having them as parents. The list is endless…..impossible to summarize in a blog. Yet, what I will say relative to this past year….Daddy taught us how to die with dignity, courage, and a selflessness that is hard to comprehend. And momma is teaching us how to age with grace, gentility, her ladylike demeanor, and an unwavering Faith. When you have parents like ours, the bar has been set high – in every single aspect of life. Our charge and lesson #3: to do our best to live up to their example….not a short order….now, and when we reach our time to leave this earth.
Get your affairs in order….now. Onto pragmatic lesson #4: Do NOT wait to get your affairs in order. Period. Daddy and Momma blessed us over 30 years ago by engaging all of us in a process to ‘ready ourselves’ for the inevitable. Living wills, DNR, long-term care insurance, investments, power of attorney (medical and otherwise)…….everything for our immediate family was buttoned up. Is it ‘easy to die’? No…..not in many ways. There are still so many forms, legalities, funeral home transactions, etc. that cannot be completed until the inevitable actually transpires. Yet, what I will say is that we are grateful to mom and daddy for the example they set in this area of life, as well. There were no surprises. We discussed everything in detail many years ago – and revisited this on a regular basis. Net: do not wait until the person is in the hospital, has been given a terminal diagnosis, etc. as that day may never come. Accidents do happen (in the case of my father)…..and then it can be too late. Lesson #4: get your affairs in order…NOW.
Faith, Hope and Love are the glue to Life. The powerful verse of 1 Corinthians 13:13 has been my comfort and mantra in life….particularly this year. Loss is hard. Yet, gratitude trumps grief – always has, always will. When we reach that place which seems insurmountable, impassable, and devastating beyond comprehension….Faith, Hope and Love will conquer all. Nothing can ever erase or diminish the Love we experience and the Love we give. NOTHING. Nothing can ever squash Hope. And FAITH will always provide a peace that passes all understanding.
It did. It has. It will.
Lesson #5: “And now these three remain: Faith, Hope, and Love….and the greatest of these is love.”
Those are just a few of the lessons I have embraced from this past year. There are numerous others – yet, these are the universal lessons which our shattering past 12 months have taught me. Are they relevant? I believe so. Do they relate to life AND business? From my viewpoint…..a resounding yes.
These are wonderful Kristin. Many thanks for sharing. Love, Carl and David
You are a gifted writer, a great leader, and a wonderful friend. You expressed very well my own jumbled thoughts.
You are a remarkable servant of a loving God, bringing His hope through personal loss. May He bless you and keep you and your family and may He continue to guide your steps to His glory. Our love and prayers.
It was wonderful to read your thoughts which have a personal meaning to me. I was uplifted and will strive to achieve more at this stage of life. I was undergo right hip replacement on March 6. I am truly blessed with loving family and friends to assist me and help me move forward. You words are helping me already as you and Gretchen have enhanced Babs’ and my life for all of these years. We love you deeply and I am inspired by Babs daily. I love you. John
So beautifully said. I can’t believe it’s been a year and appreciate you sharing these lessons.
Hugs… so appreciate these important reminders to all of us. Thank you.
Thinking of you at this time…… sending our love P&L
Such a beautiful tribute to your parents love and thanks Bob and Ellen
Kristin, Thank you for sharing your thoughts and valuable lessons learned. It’s been five years since we lost my dad and then nine months later my mom fainted, fell and had a stroke that changed both our lives. I still struggle with maintaining my faith but your words touched my heart and reminded me to keep my faith and hopefully draw much needed strength from it. Much love to you and your family. God bless you all.
The love is eternal, as is the loss. You have given us continuing words to live by. With love and thanks.
It’s hard to believe your dear Daddy has been gone a year already. I have no doubt he is looking down proudly and appreciating how you are honoring him with your lessons learned.
The word “orphan ” takes on a whole new meaning as you Gretchen and I know, but our blessing is that wee were blessed with a solid base with which to stand. Love was the major part of it. My love to both of you.