It’s so peaceful and quiet here

The graveyard where my father’s earthly remains lie.

It’s been four months since he passed away

But it seems like it was only yesterday

Oh, how much I miss him

The “Neutralizer” in our lives

He wasn’t perfect, as no one else is

He has his flaws

But he also has his gifts.

He has a way with us, his children.

He disciplined us when we were younger

But he leveled off with us when we finished our studies.

He never failed to recognize our achievements

And that’s worth more than all the gold in the world

Simply priceless

To be highly regarded and held precious by one’s parent—

Nothing can equal that.

So, to all the parents out there

As you chastise your children when they are wrong

Remember to praise them when they are right.

It makes a big difference in their lives.

I tend to agree with Anne Miller, an author and psychologist.

She said that parental love is a myth

For in the final analysis

What a child really needs is to be respected,

Listened to, and taken seriously

By his/her parents.

Nothing more, nothing less.

My Father did just that to us

Not without fail

But enough for us to see ourselves as human beings

Worthy of love and able to love, that is, to respect,

Listen to and take others seriously.

Happy 75th birthday, dearest Pops.

Although I sorely miss you,

I know that you are in the best place where you could be –

With Jesus, at the bosom of the Father,

Enjoying the place that our loving God has prepared for you.

See you there, Pops, when our time comes.

I will always love you.