Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Life Repeated
This past weekend, my father-in-law passed away from cancer after having been diagnosed just 2-3 months earlier. He had always been a healthy man who took good care of his body, yet for some unknown reason, cancer took his life. His loss will be felt for years to come.
But this is not the first time that cancer has taken a healthy member from our family. In 2005, my father died of cancer, and the doctors had no explanation as to why he contracted the type of cancer that eventually took his life. I still feel the loss of his presence after so many years.
Losing a loved one is always difficult, and it raises a multitude of questions. One question that plagues my thoughts is: Will life repeat its pattern with me? Will cancer somehow strike me unexpectedly, and will my sons write of their loss as I do now? While I may not be able to answer this question, the thought of such an event breaks my heart.
Another aspect of such losses is that my sons are now grandfather-less. As much as I can ingrain in them what is right and wrong, how best to live life and to dream big, there is something special about the relationship between a grandfather and a grandson. I recall how my grandfathers used to tell me of the "old times", of the stories of war, and of their wisdom from many years of life. Now, my sons will miss out on this special aspect of life.
Fortunately, my father-in-law and my father had memories with my two sons, and for the most-part, my sons have memories with their grandfathers. In knowing that, I take peace that my son's lives were impacted by knowing their grandfathers.
Ron, you will be missed. Dad, you are missed every day. And boys, I love you more than words could ever express.
Michael
But this is not the first time that cancer has taken a healthy member from our family. In 2005, my father died of cancer, and the doctors had no explanation as to why he contracted the type of cancer that eventually took his life. I still feel the loss of his presence after so many years.
Losing a loved one is always difficult, and it raises a multitude of questions. One question that plagues my thoughts is: Will life repeat its pattern with me? Will cancer somehow strike me unexpectedly, and will my sons write of their loss as I do now? While I may not be able to answer this question, the thought of such an event breaks my heart.
Another aspect of such losses is that my sons are now grandfather-less. As much as I can ingrain in them what is right and wrong, how best to live life and to dream big, there is something special about the relationship between a grandfather and a grandson. I recall how my grandfathers used to tell me of the "old times", of the stories of war, and of their wisdom from many years of life. Now, my sons will miss out on this special aspect of life.
Fortunately, my father-in-law and my father had memories with my two sons, and for the most-part, my sons have memories with their grandfathers. In knowing that, I take peace that my son's lives were impacted by knowing their grandfathers.
Ron, you will be missed. Dad, you are missed every day. And boys, I love you more than words could ever express.
Michael
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
The Tides of Life
Life has been quite busy lately...and somewhat challenging, but that is often how the tides of life flow.
When the tide of life is high, life seems good and easy. We often do not reflect on what's important, but rather stay busy with the daily routines of home and work, take memorable vacations, or other things that make us happy.
But when the tide of life is low, life can seem discouraging, painful, or perhaps futile. Just last month, my father-in-law was diagnosed with what is believed to be Stage 4 cancer. Having lost my own father to cancer, I know what my wife must be experiencing as she watches her father suffer. And although my wife's keeping a strong front, I know her too well--she's suffering too.
What makes this tide of life even more difficult is that I am her rock--the one that is supposed to be her strong tower in the low tides of life. But seeing my wife and her father suffer, takes be back to my experiences with my father--my best friend--and the pain I suffered. It is in this low-tide, that I feel helpless and wonder if I can do anything to help.
But I can do something--I can be there for her; and in doing so, I am her rock and strong tower. Adapting from a post I wrote in September 2012, I convey these heart-felt words to my beautiful, loving, and caring wife:
Man's greatest pain is not his own,
but rather seeing a loved one in pain.
For then, he experiences a sense of ineptness and helplessness.
If only
he could bear the pain for that loved one.
If only he
could lessen the extent of that pain, however small.
But sometimes man cannot bear or lessen the pain,
and can only suffer in pain with the one he loves.
But
in that action, man's greatest gift is experienced;
for in
that moment, he expresses love.
To my wife, who I know is suffering, know that I love you and am always here for you.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Monday, August 19, 2013
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Friday, August 16, 2013
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Year 3: 1996
Our favorite spot and my baby (all three of them), well actually two and one on the way...
Monday, August 12, 2013
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Saturday, August 3, 2013
20 Years of Photo Memories with You
To my wife...on this year's anniversary, I dedicate the next several photo blogs to the 20 years of memories with you. I love you forever. Let the fun begin. :)
Friday, April 5, 2013
The Unwritten Letter
Dad:
It seems like just yesterday that you were here...how quickly time has passed since April 2005. Oh how we celebrated your life as friends and family gathered that day in Ocala, when we last saw your face. Never before had there been such a celebration for what normally is a time of sorrow. We celebrated you, your life, and our memories of you. We celebrated that you were with our God, and probably singing your favorite song ("How Great Thou Art") at His feet.
So much has changed since your passing; I wish you could have been here to see it all--but then again, you have seen it all...from above. The boys have changed so much from when you last saw them--from young boys to handsome teenage men; and off course, your daughter-in-law and I have changed as well. We're both now "over the hill". I often wonder how you would have liked Oregon, and how often you would have come to visit us and experience all the sights in this beautiful state.
As I reflect on your life today, I realize how much you were a part of my life and how much I still miss you after so many years. Dad, you were my best friend, my hero, and my mentor. I know that we still talk at times, and I appreciate that you listen. Today, I wanted you to know that I will continue your legacy by having the kind of relationship with my boys that you had with me--one that lasts forever and that spans time and space itself.
As I reflect on your life today, I realize how much you were a part of my life and how much I still miss you after so many years. Dad, you were my best friend, my hero, and my mentor. I know that we still talk at times, and I appreciate that you listen. Today, I wanted you to know that I will continue your legacy by having the kind of relationship with my boys that you had with me--one that lasts forever and that spans time and space itself.
I miss you.
Your only son,
Michael
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Wallowa Lake
Wallowa Lake is located in eastern Oregon near the picturesque town of Joseph. Our family visited this area in 2010 and fell in love with its beauty. Wallowa Lake sits at the base of the Eagle Cap Wilderness, also known as the "Swiss Alps" of Oregon, which is host to several snow-capped mountains (e.g., Matterhorn--no, not that one, Chief Joseph, Mt. Herman, etc.). We camped a whole week at Wallowa Lake State Park, went fishing, hiked 6 miles through the mountains, and saw a few bald eagles. Below are some of my favorite photos from the trip.
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| Joseph, Oregon, with the "Swiss Alps" of Oregon in the background. |
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| Fishing on Wallowa Lake |
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| Hiking on top of Mt. Howard at 8,256 feet. |
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| My first sighting of a bald eagle. |
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| The "Swiss Alps" of Oregon. |
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Travels
Over the course of the next few months, I plan to share some camping and travel adventures my family has experienced as we vacationed in Oregon. I hope you find the sights beautiful, and that the posts encourage you to try out some of the locations. Stay tuned!
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