In the end these things matter most: How well did you love? How fully did you live? How deeply did you let go? ~ Buddha
Every year, my family gathers together to celebrate my father’s life. He died early one morning after a barefoot waterskiing run. 18 years ago. Died just like he wanted to – in his boat, surrounded by his friends, in his wetsuit, quickly.
We gather to support one another, to eat his favorite foods, to laugh over funny stories, and to observe his personality traits in ourselves and our children, most of whom he never got to meet. And yet, they behave, speak, and sound much like their grandfather in so many ways.
Each time we come together, we recognize just how much Dad loved us even if he rarely said those words. We admire just how fully he lived his life, albeit short, through his service, his hard work, and his love for adventure – motorcycles, boats, cars, and skydiving. And each time we gather, we let go a little more – releasing the pain, loss, and heartache while embracing the journey of impermanence. Celebrating these memories and creating new ones.
Make it a strong day!