Today, one year ago, there was a new dawn. I remember it as if it were yesterday. A deal had been closed. Hope was alive and tangible. I knew there were ripples in life; however, in hindsight, I was unprepared for what followed. I received three calls, each ninety minutes after the other. Dad was sick. Dad was sick enough that they were taking him to the hospital. Dad had passed.
I knew he had enjoyed a full life. Family, love, friendships, and crazy adventures dominated his time. Even though he was approaching his 92nd birthday, I had always thought I would have another ten years plus with him. I look back at his life and the time that has passed, thankful for the legacy and lessons he left for me.
Seize the moment. It is the only one you have. Be spontaneous and carefree with the opportunities that appear. They are windows to experiences and memories that will endure for the rest of your days. Some will think you are crazy. I would beg to differ. The memories of him driving 10 hours to spend an evening with me enjoying a meal and a random event was a normal part of my life. I used to think every family acted that way. With time, I discovered how important each moment is.
If one says, s/he will do something, never leave anything off the table. Go all in. Projects, adventures, relationships, work, and even God are better when there are no restrictions on one’s engagement. Challenges are to be conquered, barriers destroyed, and difficulties overcome. Life is found in the commitment to live each day to the maximum.
Life is found in the community. Said another way, life is more than going solo. Invitations to join are open-ended. Dad embraced the model set “When God made his promise to Abraham, he backed it to the hilt, putting his own reputation on the line.” (Hebrews 6.13)
Dad left me relevant lessons. It’s a new dawn, richer with his gifts that I can embrace and share today.
