Faith: Hoping to honor Dad in coming year

So long, 2018.

You were a tough one, taking The Dad from this world to the next. While there were many lovely things that happened throughout the year, that one event has changed me.

Permanently.

I don’t miss The Dad any less today than I did yesterday or the day before, the month before. I miss the sound of his voice (which still rings in my ear). I miss his advice (which I mostly took). His laugh. His humor. The way he loved his family.

In those moments when I didn’t think I could take one more step forward or the breath simply caught in my chest, some “Dadism” popped into my head. I take those as little gifts and visits from him.

The takeaway here is that death cannot take from us the immense love we shared with him (or any loved one for that matter). I see that great love in my husband Wayne, my brothers and sister, my sister-in-law and brother-in-law, my dad’s wife, my nephew Gavin (The Dad’s mini-me), and all who loved him.

That alone is a gift, and something to treasure. What greater gift is there than to love, and be loved? The Dad did that; he lived with faith and love.

It is a different new year, this one, going full-steam ahead without him here. I saw a wonderful illustration that made me think of him: “What will the new year bring us? 365 opportunities.”

A new chance, every day, to celebrate the life we have been given. A new day to take nothing for granted, to give … and be … our best. A new day to celebrate the love we share with those around us, and the chance to honor them.

Looking back, as difficult as this year has been, I find and take comfort in knowing that all of us surrounding him did everything out of love for him. We honored the man, the myth, The Dad (he would roll his eyes about now) by putting him first and doing what was best for him.

As I greet 2019 and step into the new year armed with new and updated goals, I hope to walk in his steps. Following in his faith and love will not only honor who he was (the man, the myth, The Dad), it will honor how he raised and guided us all to be.

Love reflects love … I miss you dad.

Patti Dobson writes about faith for The Eastern New Mexico News. Contact her at:

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