When I was in my twenties
searching for myself,
I did not understand
the man you were,
how you suffered and fought
and how deeply you loved
my mother,
my sisters,
and me.
As I got older, you got older.
And now that you are gone,
I am in awe
of the integrity of your life.
And now, as I pray for my daughter,
in her twenties,
searching for herself,
I wonder if this is how
you prayed for me
and if somehow, some day
my strength,
my faith,
will rub off on her
as yours has on me.
The Strongest Man I’ve Ever Known, 1931-2017
Anything is Possible! 
June 15, 2017 at 8:47 am
💕
June 15, 2017 at 9:39 am
Thanks, Tink.
June 15, 2017 at 8:49 am
Great one JoAnn, may your strength, your faith, rub off on her in Jesus name. Your expectations will not be cut off.
June 15, 2017 at 9:40 am
Amen. Thank you, Chanzera.
June 15, 2017 at 9:30 am
What a wonderful piece of writing JoAnna.. I am certain if your daughter is anything at all like her Mother, lol.. She already knows the love that you pour her way..
It is often not until in our later years that we reflect upon such things.. I think when we are younger, it is not that we did not see or feel our parents love.. (Some are luckier than others in having warm hearted parents who show their affections.. )
But I think when we are younger, exploring life, living in the now of our youth and our own families, we do not always See the wisdom of those who have been there and done all of that before just as we..
🙂
I am sure your daughter will be just fine..
Loved that image of your Father.. and I am also certain he hears your heart right now too xxx ❤
Love and warm hugs JoAnna.. Hugs Sue ❤
June 15, 2017 at 9:50 am
I feel your love and warm hugs, Sue. Thank you so much for this affirming response reminding me that I was pretty rebellious and self-absorbed in my twenties. It took me a long time to appreciate my parents. I am so grateful for your support and encouragement.
June 15, 2017 at 11:34 am
Like wise JoAnna.. Sending much love over the airwaves to you dear friend xx
June 15, 2017 at 5:51 pm
xx
June 15, 2017 at 10:09 am
That is the best picture ever!! What an endearing piece!! ❤
June 15, 2017 at 10:32 am
Thanks, Lisa. It’s one of my favorite pictures. He was going to his cardiac rehab club to work out. He always came in there with a smile and praising God, no matter how he felt physically.
June 15, 2017 at 12:10 pm
Wonderful ❤
June 15, 2017 at 5:52 pm
Thanks, Joey.
June 15, 2017 at 12:36 pm
Beautiful tribute. 🤗🤗
June 15, 2017 at 5:53 pm
Thanks, Deb. He was a great man.
June 15, 2017 at 1:16 pm
Aw this is so beautiful it made me cry!! Thanks for sharing ❤❤
June 15, 2017 at 6:20 pm
I’m glad you liked it and hope the tears were good ones. Thank you for your heartfelt feedback, Chloe.
June 15, 2017 at 4:51 pm
Your expectations shall not be cut short.
June 15, 2017 at 5:53 pm
Thank you, Sarah. I appreciate your confidence.
June 16, 2017 at 2:03 am
You’re welcome. Have a great day 😃.
June 18, 2017 at 7:22 pm
Thinking of you on this special day. I’m sure your dad will send you all the strength and wisdom you need in the years ahead.
June 18, 2017 at 9:16 pm
Thank you, Joanne. I have felt his presence a lot today. It has been a comfort, as is your comment.
Pingback: 8 Ways to Keep Going When the Journey Gets Long | Anything is Possible!
Pingback: 8 Ways to Keep Going When the Journey Gets Long – Life, As Kevy Michaels