This is my dad. I was 15 the last time I saw him, until this past July when my Mom died. Twenty four years. A lifetime of missed moments. I won't go into the details here. They don't really matter anyway. What matters is that we have worked through our history and talked about all of the things we needed to. There have been tears, understanding and forgiveness. What matters is that we have today and God willing, we will have tomorrow. What matters is that because of all we have lost we have a deeper appreciation for what we have gained.
I love this man. He is funny, hardworking, loving, affectionate, generous, and sweet. I miss him so much and wish he lived closer and that we could see each other more. He is an amazing dad, father-in-law and grandpa. All these years I knew he was missing out. I had no idea I was too. I know that had I not lost my mother in the way I did, I probably wouldn't be writing this. It's amazing how wonderful things can come out of tragedy.
What I know for sure is that life is too short. Too short to dwell on the negatives. Too short for pettiness, negativity, jealousy and meanness. Too short for not chasing your dreams and embracing the sweet moments of your life, big and small. Too short for walking through life unhappy when there is something you can do to change it. Life is too short not to live every moment.
A lovely post. Bless your heart! Beauty full!
ReplyDeletesuch a beautiful post. awesome you were able to reunite with your dad. that something beautiful came out of loss. when a door closes a window opens...
ReplyDeleteHappy today for you and your dad!
You're so right Jen. So glad you and your dad have reunited. What matters now is making the most of all the time you do have. Thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteAmy
Amen, Sistah Friend!!!
ReplyDeleteI love this story. I'll never tire of hearing the details and hearing the smile in your voice when you talk about your Pops. :)
well said jen. i am so happy that you now have your father in your live. that is such a cute picture of you two!!
ReplyDeleteI wish you and your dad many happy times in the future. You are so right, life is too short to not spend every moment enjoying life to the fullest, no regrets.
ReplyDeleteJudy
Oh Jen,
ReplyDeleteI am happy for all of you! All we have is from this moment forward....all of us, period....
I applaud you both for being able to go forward....
Jen...how wonderful! I am so happy for you and your dad...
ReplyDeletexoxo,
annie
the best things in life.....your words are so beautifully written~thanks for reminding us Jen..I am so happy for you and your Dad~
ReplyDelete♥ Eileen
So happy for you.
ReplyDeleteAll things work together for good to them that love God. Romans 8:28
I know it to be true. He has shown me it over and over!
What a wonderful story. I praise God for renewed, refound relationships.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could write more on how I feel, but the tears just keep coming!
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful!
That is beautiful! I miss my Dad everyday. He passed away 11 years ago. Celebrate everyday you get with your dad.
ReplyDelete~ Molly
I'm thrilled for you to have such an important piece restored in your life, you deserve it!
ReplyDeleteNo time like the present to start making those memories. I am happy for you and your reconciliation with your dad.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you and your Dad. Forgiveness can cure a lot of ills and making peace can restore one's soul. Hugs to you and your dear Dad- Diana
ReplyDeleteJenny - since we are twins separated at birth - when do I get to meet Pops? Does he have a scooter for me. This story makes me so happy. I'm so happy for you!
ReplyDeleteSo glad something so wonderful came from something so tragic! I hope you have many happy years together!
ReplyDeleteKat :)
Thank you.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful post, Jen. I'm so happy you and your father have found each other once again.
ReplyDeletexo
Claudia
Well said as I ponder these words with tears in my eyes
ReplyDeleteSuch and touching and heart warming post... May many joyful times be yet to come and how wonderful you have came together....
ReplyDeleteFirst, I am SO happy that you & your father have been able to come so far and like you, I'm so sorry it took a tragedy to bring you to it. Reading this hit me pretty hard and I keep praying my sister & I can work through our differences, especially now as our mother is losing her battle against cancer. This post has been a beacon of hope-light to me!!! Maybe...just maybe... Because you're right, life is just too short!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm very sorry about the loss of your mother, but very happy that you now have a loving relationship with your father. May you be blessed with many more happy times with him.
ReplyDeletethank you for your transparency and your honesty. you are inspiring and convicting me to work on my relationships with my parents. (ouch)
ReplyDeleteAnother beautiful post. I am so happy for you both. I have a similar past ... My Father died unexpectedly nearly 2 years ago and I was so glad we had forgiven and moved on and that his grandchildren knew him. Enjoy your time together!
ReplyDeletehugs,
Leslie
HURRAY! Blessings on you both.
ReplyDeletethank you for your honest words....it is such a reminder for each of us. We all have our stories, lost relationships....in different ways. thank you for sharing!!!!
ReplyDeletehi jen,
ReplyDeletei am really happy for you that you and your dad have made peace and put the past behind. i think all of us have situations where this post rings true or sounds familiar. thank you for being so open and sharing. and may i say -- lookin' good, mrs. jen!
happy weekend ~ enjoy the extra hour!
xo
elyse
For a lot of my life...my dad was a mean old bastard.
ReplyDeleteNow, a sweet old man.
we have talks on the phone.
we say I love you when we hang up.
we say I love you.
I'm glad you are wise. (er)
xo, Cheryl
What a blessing! So glad that things are going well for you two after such a long time, and that you both choose to treasure the days ahead. Jackie
ReplyDeleteHave you noticed moving to where you've always wanted has brought alot of positives to your life lately?? Beautiful post Jen!!
ReplyDeleteJen,
ReplyDeletehugs kisses and love from me to you, my dear friend.
perfect post.
xxoo
Just had to tell you that I'm so glad you were reunited with your father. Enjoy every moment.
ReplyDeleteI am so very, truly happy for you Jen...what an unlikely, wonderful story for your whole family. Who would have thought!
ReplyDeleteit is never too late for love~ you are not only lucky to get a chance, but lucky you are taking it and have your foundation of love with you! Cheryl/ Voondi
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome post! A reminder of the best kind.
ReplyDeleteAwww, this is a beautiful post. So so true. Romans 8:28 at it's best. :)
ReplyDeleteI love to hear how beauty comes from sadness. So glad for you.
ReplyDelete-FringeGirl
Hello fellow nesty gal. I totally agree with you life is to short! I had kinda a similar story with my dad except I was four when I saw him last. I wish we could be closer but we manage to maintain the best relationship we can. Sorry for your loss. Make each day count! Traci
ReplyDeleteYour writing is beautiful Jen ~ straight from the heart ♥ I love the photo of you & your Dad with sweet Millie watching over the two of you xo
ReplyDeleteThank you ♥
ReplyDeleteI should thank you. There is someone I should forgive. You have inspired me. Yes, life is too short for such pettiness. But you learned this lesson in a far too brutal way.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Very touching post wrapped up in a whole lot of wisdom. May God bless! ~Lili
ReplyDeleteJen, that was so heartwarming. It gives me hope that one day I will be reunited with my two sons.
ReplyDeletexo
LeAnn
love it.....
ReplyDelete: )
I am so happy for you! This is something I can relate to. I hope in time, this will also me my story when it comes to my father.
ReplyDelete