 This week, my beloved dad celebrated his 60th birthday. He is a warm and cozy man who is thoughtful beyond measure. It wasn’t until I got older and saw the world with different eyes that I realized every father is actually not as loving, approving, supportive, encouraging, affectionate and sweet as mine. He is one of a kind and I am eternally grateful for his influence and faith in me, and the kindness he so generously bestows on many people. My husband Ryan and I were married on my dad’s birthday- on purpose.
This week, while my father was celebrating his life, one of my dearest friend’s father died. Steve got sick recently and after a very challenging few months, he let go of this life. His legacy is his family, his quiet wisdom and loving presence. When his daughter/my friend Ellyn and I were in college and trying to figure out the meaning of life over too much coffee and never enough music, we always discussed our families. We reveled in the similar philosophies of our fathers. I will always remember Ellyn’s appreciation for her dad’s perspective, “It is what it is”. Steve’s simple words hold profound depth, reminding us to face reality, live one breath at a time, one moment at a time, one day at time. In his words I awaken to a deeper acceptance of the great mystery of being alive, the transformational opportunities in every experience and relationship, and the possibility of seeing life from so many different angles. Our human tendency is to argue with death or circumstances which arouse discomfort. I am very human and have a very close relationship with my own discomfort- it’s an ongoing conversation of “to be with or not to be with”. Just for today, I’m going to be with my feelings of sadness, appreciation, love, heartache, joy, celebration, confusion, curiosity, yearning and awe. As I write this and I think of Steve, I can see him smiling. I think of his family and can see them crying. Through it all, whatever arises, moment by moment we are asked to accept it. That doesn’t mean deny reality, but quite the opposite. It means with every cell of your being, inhabit the truth and come alive from there. Take Five and take the time to honor your life, those you love, and make it count. Tell the truth to yourself and your loved ones. Your gift is your willingness to go deeper and have the courage to be with the life that is waiting for you- no matter what. And the truth is always waiting for you- because it is what it is. Thanks for being a part of my life. With much love, Ali |
