The passing of someone close to us reminds us of our own mortality and provides the opportunity to reflect on our lives and how we want to be remembered. Are you living the life you love? Are you using your gifts and talents to make the world a better place? Do you typically awaken with a smile on your face and a song in your heart? Are there some changes you would like to make to live a life more aligned with your core values? [1]
These are some questions that came up for me on the recent passing of my dear father, George Edsol Robert Thompson, affectionately known as Bob. Despite losing both parents by the time he was 21 and his only brother at 29, he was a compassionate man who touched the lives of many, and achieved most if not all the goals he set. A devoted husband and father, he and my Mom raised 3 daughters who all get along well and love each other.
As a tribute to my Dad I would like to share the open letter I spoke from my heart at his recent “celebration of life”.
Dear Dad,
Thank you for:
- Believing in me and making me believe that I can “be” or “do” anything I choose to “be” or “do”.
- Instilling in me the value of education and a thirst for learning.
- Encouraging and exposing me to try a wide variety of sports. I remember and so appreciate all those rides from the cottage to Iroquois and back for swimming lessons, and the basketball games and track and field events you faithfully attended.
- Modelling for me with Mom what a loving family looks, acts and feels like, and for instilling in me strong family values.
- Exposing me to nature. I have such fond memories of those camping trips to the west and east coast, and in particular the six-week adventure we took with a tent trailer when I was 13 and my sisters were 3 and 5. Who does that? YOU did Dad with Mom’s amazing support. Thank you Dad for …
- Inspiring me to be the best I can be.
You will be dearly missed and never forgotten, not only by me, my sisters, and our families, but by the many lives you touched throughout your teaching career and life.
I love you.
My Dad lived an extremely full, and fulfilling life. He accomplished pretty well everything he wanted to do. How many of us can say that?
What legacy do you want to leave? How do you want to be remembered? I welcome your thoughts and comments below.
[1] For more info on core values see http://creativelivingcommunity.com/do-you-live-in-alignment-with-your-core-values/
Today is the birthday of my Godmother and mentor. She was the most influential person in my adult life. Every day her love, beauty, grace, wisdom, and illumination are with me. I am celebrating her today, so your post is perfect!
I love your words about your father and the beautiful spirit with them.
Hi Laurie, I’m happy that the post is timely for you. Your Godmother sounds like a beautiful spirit. Thanks for your kind words. Warm Hugs, Pam
What a beautiful tribute. I hope that awareness of these gifts helps to ease your loss. As for my own legacy? Thanks to your thoughtful post, I’ll be giving it more thought this week.
Hi Andrea, Thanks for your kind words. Am happy I prompted you to think about your legacy. Warm Hugs, Pam
I love this honoring of your father and the questions you posed about what we want our legacy to be and how we are living our lives. My father also inspired me to live my life to the fullest and I am deeply grateful for the legacy he left. Thank you for sharing your beautiful letter to your father. I am sending you much love and compassion on your journey.
Hi Kelley, Thanks so much for your love and compassion. I’m happy that you too had a special relationship with your father and that he inspired you to live life to the fullest. Warm Hugs, Pam
What a lovely tribute to your dad… <3
Thanks Sheila 🙂
What a beautiful tribute. I found myself pausing on your dad’s photo for several seconds, taking him in. Such sparkling eyes!
The loving eyes through which you view him, both his life and his contributions, speaks volumes to who you are and what you value.
Thanks, Pamela, for writing this. It touched me.
Hi Barbara, Thanks so much for your kind words. I’m happy that it touched you and appreciate your feedback. Warm Regards, Pam