Thursday, August 20, 2009

Happy Birthday To My Dad...

Just wanted to say happy birthday to my dad. He would've been 80 years old today. There are times when I still really miss him. I guess I'll always feel that way. I look up to him a lot as I go through my walk in faith. I look up to him as someone who did it the way I am trying to do it: It's not how you start, but how you finish... He made some huge mistakes in his life, as did I. I used to carry around a lot of anger and guilt and depression. I think he did too. But as it got closer to the end for him, we both made an effort to patch things up and I must say, the last few years he was on this earth, we really got along great and I managed to love him again. He became a dad to me again, someone I could look up to. And most of all, someone I could love and be proud of and l miss very much to this day. But the best part in developing my faith, is I have come to believe that he is in Heaven with my mom, the true love of his life. When she passed more than 30 years ago, a major part of him died with her. He fell into a deep hole and didn't get out of it till about the last ten years of his life. But like I said, it's not how you start or run the race in the middle, it's all about how you finish. And when I say he turned it around, man did he ever! Even though he still missed his girl, he began to live again. And he was happy. The relationship we re-built is something I will cherish forever. Happy Birthday Ol' Man... (I never called him dad or daddy or papa or stuff like that. I just always called him ol' man... but as a term of endearment)... I miss you a lot, but give mom a hug for me and know that I will continue to live and love in the way you showed me... for better or worse... hahahah...

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

We all have made many mistakes, but I think one of the biggest is not letting the love in once the mistakes have been made. The making the person "pay" is just needless, and can ruin the lives of both. You opened your heart to him and that is a beautiful thing. I never played the "pay" game either, but I made other mistakes...just like everyone else(esp those who tell you they didn't make any :).

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUR DAD.
~Mary

Lori J said...

Dear Mik,
I wanted to send you an email but you do not have it listed.
Thanks for sharing your story...and yes nothing is sweeter than a relationship that is renewed.
Parents are such a part of us..and no matter what the circumstances we love them.
Today hubby is off for his swim (helps with his rehabilitation) and I will try and accomplish ONE job.
Our son is presently living with us and this poses a different dimension.. He is your age..and loves his mother dearly but we have some interesting conversations...
God is slowly softening his heart.

Blessings,

Lori

PS do sent me an e mail if you would so I could correspond with you that way...

Mik said...

Just for the record Lori, my email is:

mik@radio.am

Unknown said...

He would be so proud of you. I love you my Mik...............

Sage Ravenwood said...

Beautiful sentiments for your father's Birthday dear friend. I think it's a realistic view of life to realize people make mistakes. Few people have the peace of heart to realize a person is not the sum of those mistakes. (Hugs)Indigo

Carolyn said...

I am so glad Mik that you and your dad were able to rebuild your relationship. You speak just like Paul here, about running the race- I think about that a lot myself. Sometimes we may be bruised, bloody and sore and so weary, but what a finish line we have to hope for and look forward to! Makes it all worthwhile, doesn't it! God Bless you Mik. I know I don't visit as much as I used to, but I think of you often, and your sisters too! God Bless y'all! PS- Hockey soon! YAY! :0)

Joann said...

What a beautiful entry, Mik!! I'm SO glad that you were able to patch things up with your dad in time to have some really GOOD memories. Happy Birthday to your dad!