My Son,
I was moved by something I read in Genevieve magazine written by the editor and titled – “Losing My Dad.” And it went thus:
“Last year I lost my father. I didn’t know he was sick until he called. We hadn’t stayed in touch for a long time which wasn’t unusual; not because we held a grudge towards each other (of course we’ve had our issues), but because we had some how grown apart over the years, even though we shared the same birthday. We asked him to come over, so we could take him to do necessary test he had to do. As soon as I saw him, I couldn’t believe how emaciated he was and how much he had changed; he could barely even walk on his own. This was one of the strongest and toughest men I ever knew. Someone who always managed to conquer everything that came his way regardless; he was very stubborn and didn’t give in readily. He looked frail, helpless and I could barely recognize him. He didn’t know what was wrong with him and had constant pains especially at night. We slept on the same bed during his three weeks at my place, and some nights I would wake up and find him awake crying in so much pain. I would try to comfort him, but that did very little or nothing. Sometimes we would talk through the night, and I’d encourage him not to give up because he was going to get well.
After about three weeks, he had done all the tests he was supposed to do and decided to go back to his wife. The doctors insisted he needed to check himself into a hospital as soon as possible. So he decided to go back to his home and get himself checked into a hospital. I remember him crying and begging us not to abandon him, we promised we’d come to see him. I remember dropping him off on my way to work trying to hold back tears. I looked at him and somehow I knew it was the last time I would see him.
A few days later, I got a call from his wife; he had died! I didn’t go to his burial and till today, I don’t even know where he is buried. I can’t face the reality that he is dead and somehow I feel guilty that maybe I could have been of more help. I never imagined this could happen so soon, and was never ready for the loss. I prefer to imagine that maybe it’s just one of his disappearing acts, that someday he will come back like he always does when he disappears, and that maybe someday, I’ll have the courage to visit where he is buried.”
My son, there are many lessons to be learned from this because one day you will get married and God willing, you too will be a father. As presently constituted, a man is the head of his family. Family is the most important relational unit on earth, especially where children are concerned. Families provide children with a sense of belonging, and the family unit should be a source of love, protection and emotional support.
Place a premium on your family, and your relationship with each and every single member of your family. Do not treat them with levity. Do not let a very busy life or distance keep you from being close to your loved ones. Avoid growing apart from each other.
Interacting with your loved ones in love and mutual understanding will leave no room for guilty feelings. The time to love and be loved is now, not next minute, not next hour, not tomorrow.
My son live in the now, love in the now, tomorrow may be too late.
Photo-Credit: huffpost.com