Missing my father on the anniversary of his passing

A favorite story of my life has very little to do with me. It is a simple observation that I have made in the past year. I remember walking along side my house in late summer 2008 and noticing a bright blue bird nest in a shrub near my walkway. I thought that it was so beautiful and pointed it out to my parents, who were living with me at the time.

Their comments took me by surprise. It appears that this act of kindness has been an enjoyable little aspect of both of their childhoods. Each of my parents told me that their respective mothers would purposefully lay out bright little threads or strings for birds to utilize during the nest building season. They always enjoyed seeing their contribution decorating the homes being built to protect a family of birds yet to be born. My mother continued to do this throughout her life though I never knew.

After my father’s passing, I once again had a similar discussion with my mother and her neighbor about the colorful bird nest. I was amazed to hear that my mother’s neighbor loved to do the same thing. She would place threads outside on the ledge of her office window. She as well enjoyed the experienced of seeing her contribution to a newly built nest near her view.

It has occurred to me that we live our lives in so very much the same manner. We offer threads to those who are willing and interested enough to pick them up and make them a part of their lives. Much like a tapestry of the people we become, yet adding a protective and loving support system. These threads can be used to make others lives a bit softer and more secure. They can add hope and instill a desire for a better life or foundation to grow on. We cannot force our gifts on others, they are simply left for those who seize the opportunity by accepting a gift of love.

I hope that I am leaving threads worthy and interesting enough for those whose lives I hope to touch. I pray that they make the best of my meager offerings and find a way to enhance their lives and remember the small part I played in it. I am thinking of the passing of my father one year ago, and feeling grateful for the threads that he left behind. I am proud that I had the fortitude to pick up at least some of those threads and add them the woman I have become. Thank you Daddy!! I love you, as I am you, a part of the legacy of love that you have left in this world.

We knew little that morning that God was going to call your name. In life we loved you dearly. In death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you. You did not go alone; for part of us went with you, the day God called you home.

You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide; and though we cannot see you, you are always at our side. Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same, but as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.

Thank you again for the threads Daddy…no regrets!!!! You are our one true love!

~Gloria February 20, 2010