Yesterday (Saturday) was a great day. One of my oldest friends was getting married and I was part of the wedding party. There was a lot of activities to do and all the people in the wedding party had a terrific time. While it was definitely a LONG day (got up at 7:30 AM, didn't get home until past midnight), it was well worth the time and energy.
This morning (Sunday), I attended Sunday Services at a friend's church. This friend had also been at the wedding the night before. However, to my surprise, my church going friend quietly announced that his dad had passed away after a long battle with liver cancer. Talk about having major contrasts in emotion. Just twelve hours earlier, I was happy for my old friend getting married. Now, I was sad for ANOTHER old friend who's dad passed away.
The announcement wasn't necessarily a huge surprise but it still hit me pretty hard. I didn't know my friend's dad at all as he lived in Asia. However, both my parents are getting up there in age and I realized that one day I will have to deal with the same thing.
My friend made a good point during his announcement today. Everyone has issues with their parents at one point or another in their lives. Yet, if you take a step back, you will realize that the parents always had your best interests in mind.
Also, my friend made the point that his dad always sacrificed for the sake of him and his sister. In a way, I believe his dad made one final sacrifice. As mentioned earlier, the dad had been sick for over a year now. The dad had been admitted to ICU earlier this week which wasn't a great sign.
Despite indications that things weren't looking good, his dad hung on until earlier today. I firmly believe my friend's dad knew that there was a joyous occasion happening with our friend's wedding. Rather than wanting to be a burden, the dad hung on for just a little longer so my friend could enjoy the wedding. Once the wedding finished up, like a proud parent, the dad decided that his duties during this lifetime were complete. It was time to move on.
While this is a sad occasion, it is just a normal part of the cycle of life that has happened since the beginning of mankind. Despite all the advances in technology that has shaped our lives in the past two decades, the reality is that no technology can make us live forever nor take away the sadness when a loved one passes on.
For myself, even though I have my share of issues with my parents, I will try to appreciate them in their golden years. I don't know how many years they have left and it is best to enjoy it all that I can. I hope that you all do the same as well.
No comments:
Post a Comment