Designing and a passionate life creates life balance and deepens family connections. I recently saw an online journal that touched me so deeply that I want to share it with you at the end of this post. It is the story of a young man's journey through the later years of his father's life. It probably touched me very deeply because my father died 2 years ago and I remember my journey with him in his last few years.
The journal is very simple and powerful. It consists of photos of the family and the thoughts of the young man as he chronicles his journey with his father. The young man eloquently speaks to what he feels as he watches his father age. What touched me so deeply is the combination of emotions that the journal evoked in me. It is a bitter sweet journey watching our parents grow older.
For me the emotions are mixed all together and if I had to name the emotions, they would include; joy, sadness, laughter, anger, tenderness, compassion, love, empathy, confusion, acceptance, empathy, and grief. That only names a few. As I watched my father age, I knew his time was short and when ever I visited him and had to leave, my heart ached because I didn't know how much time we would have left.
This process taught me to savor every moment with my parents, to enjoy and accept who they are, to appreciate the great job they did as my parents. In some ways, as our parents age, the roles become reversed. I'm not quite sure when this happens but it usually does. I've learned to embrace and accept this and remember all of the wonderful times together and simply love them.
I guess the biggest message for me as a result of reading this online journal is to not waste the time we have with our parents. Make the most of it and just love them for who they are. Create special memories and if you are moved to, create your own journal. In the years after they pass, it will be a great way to remember them. Family is part of living a passionate life. Start living a passionate life now.
Click this link to view the online journal: Days with My Father
