legacy of love: the final chapter

As the service began, the pastor shared the story of my dad’s life and then opened the floor for anyone to recall his or her own memories. My heart smiled, and the tears fell, as I watched a line form out the door. For more than an hour, each person came forward telling a tale filled with absolute respect, honor, and love for a man I had always been proud to call dad. Each story told of how he listened, how he cared, how he helped, how he went out of his way, and how their lives were changed because of him. It felt like a movie as the time passed, and the line only continued to grow.
Suddenly it wasn’t about his mistakes anymore. It was about his love. The same love that had kept me going, kept me believing that true love existed, had also changed so many people’s lives as well. My dad had done what he was sent here to do: to give others hope, and to make them feel loved. And now, his heart and soul were at rest in a place where it was now his turn to receive the unconditional love he had been waiting for all his life. My dad had always wanted to be loved and accepted, and on this day, his hopes came true.
I know my dad had to have been looking out for me, and must have known I had continued to hope mostly because of his acceptance and love in my life. He had to know I needed someone to love me in the same way, so completely and unconditionally. I know this because not long after he passed away, I met Jimmy, someone who had the exact tender heart as my dad. Every loving quality my dad possessed, Jimmy possessed as well. I fell in love, and this time when I gave my heart and soul, I received his in return. I had finally found someone who would love me unconditionally, just the way my dad did.
One year later, on the exact day of my dad’s death, Jimmy and I were married. I chose that particular day, because I knew that not only was my husband God’s gift, but he was my dad’s gift to me as well. We lit a candle in memory of him, and held the reception in a place that was close to his heart. I know he was celebrating with us on that amazing day.
It took a lot of patience, forgiveness, and understanding to continually love my dad the way I tried to over the years. But, I am so thankful for the relationship we shared. No matter how many miles were between us, our hearts and souls always remained close. Without the example of him and his life, I would have never understood what it means to truly love unconditionally. This is not to say that I stop hoping or praying for better for the lives of those I love, because I always do, and I always will. It is to say, however, that I have learned to love others exactly where they are at any moment in their life.
If only I knew then what I know now, I would have told the sobbing boy on the phone that night, exactly what he needed to hear. I would have shared with him all the hearts and souls that would be changed because of his love and acceptance. I would have told him it was especially “daddy’s little girl,” whose heart and soul would never again be the same. What an incredible legacy to leave behind.
A Legacy of Love.
Conclusion: Thursday
© 2009 “Le Musings of Moi”
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Comments

  1. thats a great story and your dad was a special man. no one’s perfect, and as my hubby likes to say, sometimes its the ones who love you best that end up hurting you the worst.

  2. What a wonderful legacy he left behind. I am so happy you met someone that would love you as you deserve to be loved.

  3. Aw, Summer. I’m fighting off tears again reading this one. I think it’s so special that you chose your wedding to be on that particular day and that you had your reception at a place that was special to your dad. And I’m so glad that you found Jimmy. You deserve someone who loves you like that.

  4. So I’ve been lurking and reading your story. 😉 It was beautiful. I’m so glad it was a happy ending even though it was a tough path. ((hugs)) Adorable blog by the way – I found you through Tuesday’s Tribute.

  5. tears.

    i had know idea. thank you for sharing your story.

    i heart you.

  6. right now i’m a bit short on words…
    your story is very powerful and very beautifully written…
    thank you…