My dad had cancer several years ago.
Every few months he has to go have his “levels” checked to ensure that the cancer is still in remission.
Today he called to tell me that the doctor is going to start one of two treatments for him because his blood work shows that his levels have shot way up meaning that somewhere in his body there is cancer again.
Dad was absent most of my life, but all was forgiven and we love each other which is what really matters. We’ve laughed and cried. He tells me the funniest stories of his small town. He talks about the good things. He speaks lovingly about my mother and how he wishes he could go back. I understand him and I feel sorry for his unhappiness, so I try to help by making him laugh a lot. We act silly on the phone sometimes, but it is nice, comfortable, and has brought me full circle in healing my very wounded, broken heart.
Most of all, I like just hearing his voice. It’s deep and masculine.
It’s Dad.
It touches me somewhere deep in my soul.
I can’t even explain the feeling.
So I just want you all to stop for a moment and think of all the people in your life…especially those that you love. If you haven’t forgiven them, take my advice and just do it. The anger or pride in your heart will be replaced with peace. It is actually very freeing.
None of us are perfect. We all have our own issues and are living life the best that we can at “that” particular moment. Sometimes our human weaknesses take over which hurts those closest to us. We do not know what is truly in the heart of another or the circumstances that led to their poor behavior or choices. The good news is that it isn’t important why, but just that we let go of our own unforgiving actions and feelings.
You don’t necessarily have to bring the person back into your life, but you owe it to them and yourself the gift of forgiveness.
It doesn’t cost you anything and nothing of value is lost if you give it.
Instead, you and the other person are able to have a new start and a new day. That’s really important because there will come a time that you may not have one more day or one more time.
Regret is a very high price to pay for lost opportunities.
- One more day.
One more time.
One more sunset, baby I’d be satisfied.
But then again,
I know what it would do.
Leave me wishing still, for one more day with you.
- First thing I’d do, is pray for time to crawl.
I’d unplug the telephone
And keep the TV off.
I’d hold you every second.
Say a million I love you’s.
That’s what I’d do, with one more day with you.
- One more day.
One more time.
One more sunset, maybe I’d be satisfied.
But then again,
I know what it would do.
Leave me wishing still, for one more day with you.
Lyrics: Diamond Rio, One More Day
Thank you for sharing this. Sorry to hear about your dad and his battle with cancer. I am so glad you and him were able heal from your past and leave it there. This is so important in life to forgive!
I am very sorry to hear about your dad. I know its rough but keep the faith, my dad is a two time cancer survivor!
I'm happy for you that things worked out for you and your dad. There's just not enough space in this little comment box to elaborate on the forgiveness thing so I won't. I'm just glad that you both took advantage of the gift God has given you. 🙂
you speak such truth! forgiveness does help the wounds heal faster. I'll be praying that your Dad's treatments are successful and he gets a clean bill of health.
Oh, sweetie. I'm so very sorry about your dad. I will definitely keep him in my prayers.
I am so thankful you were able to forgive him and that you have been able to reestablish a relationship with him. I know that has to be such a freeing feeling. I hope others who read this post will heed your advice and seek out those people in their life who need to be forgiven. Forgiveness is for YOURSELF, not the offending person. I wish more people understood that.
You are such a sweet blessing!
I hope you and your family have a wonderful Easter weekend.
{{HUGS}}
Teresa <><
Oh, sweetie! I'm so very sorry about you dad. I will definitely keep him in my prayers.
I'm so happy you were able to forgive your dad and that you have reestablish a relationship with him. I know that must be such a freeing feeling.
This post is so amazing and I hope others will heed your advice. Forgiveness is for YOURSELF, not the offending person. A lot of people don't understand that or see it that way, but it's so true.
Thanks for sharing your story. You are such a sweet blessing to so many.
I hope you have a wonderful Easter weekend.
{{HUGS}}
Teresa <><
That is so true! My mom passed when I was thirteen, and I have regrets to this day. We had a fight not long before she passed and she was "trying to hold on to me by the hair, and spank me and in the process I kicked her several places and left bruises. I didn't know how sick she was at the time and to be honest, I was such a brat, I don't know if that would have made a difference as I was just trying to keep from being spanked. I regret it to this day, and that was 43 years ago. REGRET is horrible to live with. I did learn from the process. My dad passed by in 1992 and we had a chance to make peace with each other ( we were as distant as any people can be, until then. I started to church and read in my Bible that God CANNOT forgive those who cannot forgive others. I forgave him, I forgave my sister (which was a total misunderstanding on my part, but I was too prideful to call and talk to her about it for 2 years. What a waste of 2 years. Don't let that happen to you. Talk things out, forgive even if you think your right. Don't take unnecessary chances. I don't want to miss out on heaven because I was too prideful to forgive someone. Sorry Red! I didn't mean to make a post out of your comment section. This was something that was close to my heart. Please "forgive me".
God bless!
PJ
Sorry about your dad but you still have time and you know that. We can't live with regrets.
Thanks for sollowing us!
~Kerry