
There is LIFE.
There is FAITH.
My father at age 95 believed he could do it.
He thought he had it all figured out.
After 8 years in dialysis, hardly eating and struggling decided to call it quits.
His instructions were clear.
Stop dialysis.
He was clear about what would happen thereafter.
Death.
“I am going to die and I want to be with your mom.”
Dutiful children that we are, we prepared to honor his wishes.
We said our goodbyes.
His surroundings were set up for his final days to come.
On the day that was supposed to have been his last dialysis treatment everyone bade him farewell.
He must have been overflowing with love that when he arrived home he changed his mind.
“Continue dialysis. I don’t like it but I know I need it.”
Tears turned in joy.
Despair turned into hope.
Fatigue turned in renewed energy.
God truly has a way of allowing us all to make things right here on earth.
It was not so much about my father choosing to give up.
Rather, it was an awakening for us.
LOVE can move mountains!
When my father decided to call it quits, everyone dropped everything and ran to him.
One last time with dad, one last touch, one last kiss.
Oh! how dad missed being surrounded with LOVE.
Truth is, he was somewhat forgotten.
Not in an intentional way, more like, we all got caught up in our own battles.
We took for granted that he needed to be remembered.
Everyone “forgot” to visit him and spend time with him.
So he decided on his own to call it a day.
God truly is GOOD!
He has granted us all a window of opportunity to make up for lost time.
This last hundred meter stretch of dad has turned out to be a silver lining for all.
Just as my father has his own journey to fulfill, so do we.
We all have roles to play in each other’s lives.
No finger pointing, no judgements.
When dad gets to the finish line, it’s only GOD who decides.
The same for us too.
What I know for sure is that every single hour of the day counts.
Every second matters.
How we choose to spend our time is our choice and not because one has to.
As I continue to make the most out of every second of the day,
I say a prayer in silence for my father.
I love you dad, don’t be afraid.
You are in good hands, safe and sound with GOD by your side.