Grieving a death is an interesting thing. There is no solution, nothing that benefits the person lost, but they leave an emptiness, something that can't be filled by anyone else. I think there is something very healthy in remembering, but at the same time there seems to be something almost dissatisfying about it too. There's never an end to the memories. I can sit and remember the many memories of my dad for hours on end. His quiet personality, his dry sense of humor, his love for nature, and many more things... but that doesn't bring him back. Or sit and wish that my dad could be here to experience the different accomplishments and phases of the last two years. I wish I could call him up with my many questions, or hear him preach another sermon, go on more road trips, find another Sabbath afternoon hike, and hear more random, goofy songs that he would have found through listening to Pandora. But in the end the wishing doesn't help. What it does bring up though, is the fact that life truly is short. Whether it's a couple days, a couple years, 58 years, or 106 years, life goes quickly. Grief seems to put priorities in place; it makes me think of those around me who I still currently have, like my amazing, crazy, goofy family, the friends I have made over the years, and the random strangers I've interacted with. Each one has added something that
only they could add, because of them being them. I am truly blessed with family, friends, and acquaintances!
So, as I reflect on this anniversary of my dad's death and what I want for this next year, I want to continue to remember, replay memories, laugh, cry, BUT above all, I want to make sure that I learn to love more, appreciate more, and share more with those that are currently around me.
I am blessed with both memories and with people!
