After my dad’s mom passed away in 2009, he wrote my brother and me each a letter.

Deaths, divorces, separations/break-ups, financial difficulties, natural disasters, job layoffs, and employment issues are huge triggers for many individuals.

Far too often, a significant loss is a huge trigger that uncovers buried emotions and feelings that lay unresolved by worldly distractions for years.

My dad’s letter to me was intentional to remind me to put God First.

I will.

I am writing this I am sitting with him in a long term care facility and the family has had to do three appeals to get his health insurance to help pay.

Even if they do, my dad has paid the most for his needed care. I know from watching my dad’s experience and from my own that working hard can only get you so far. The toll that the long-term stress of attempting to be the rock of the family can take on your body is extremely damaging.

Dad, I have learned from the best, and God is my rock. Many people have asked me how I am doing, knowing how important my father is to me.

I see God in the suffering, and I continue to look back at the letters he wrote, pictures, and have conversations with family about our memories, spending as much time with him as I can. I have purposely chosen to celebrate the journey we have been given through our cherished memories together.

Thank you, Dad, for the lessons you continue to give. You are loved and appreciated.