When I was a young boy growing up I
remember going to my Grandparents house and asking Grandpa to go
through his picture books with me. It was like a window into a
different time. I got to see him as a boy, a soldier, a young man and
other times during his life. I got to meet people that had been gone
long before I was born. Grandpa helped me meet and recognize people I
had never met. I can think back to those times and remember them very
vividly. Those pictures and that time together are priceless.
When Grandpa passed I remember being so
sad and missing him so much. When I think of him now I remember the
good times, his laugh, his smile and lots of time playing cards. I
have been told that when you can think of the person that is gone and
be happy for those good times you will know that you are healed.
In going through different things in
our house what is priceless has been crossing my mind. They say that
some rare gems or precious metals can be priceless. Well I guess
value is truly in the eye of the beholder because for me the largest,
rarest, most expensive diamond in the world is not priceless. It
would have nowhere near the value to me that the price tag would
imply. A card from a loved one, a picture of a forgotten memory or a
note can be truly irreplaceable and priceless.
We are very fortunate to have taken so
many pictures of our time together. Sometimes it did feel like we
were living life through a viewfinder because of all the pictures we
were taking, but I am so glad we took them. In looking at the
pictures I am so thankful for the person that was behind the lens. A
relatively small percentage of the photos we took wound up in our
annual or special event photo books. It is fun to look back at
camping trips, weddings, vacations, one of us being goofy, and so
many moments of living. Life is a priceless blessing.
After our trip last year to Florida I
made Parker a photo book. It was made to retell him the story of that
trip and cement those memories. Kristin and I had talked about making
such a book before the trip, and we captured a lot of special
memories. We read the narrative we put with the pictures countless
times to Parker, and I have continued to read it to him from time to
time. He will always remember that trip now. I have no doubt.
In going through things in the house I
think we saved every card we ever gave each other. It has been good
to read them and remember the words that were written and what we
shared. They have been difficult to read too, but they are far more
precious than any stone could ever be. One message in a card from
before Kristin got sick that struck a particular chord with me was a
line about thanking God everyday for each other, our love and our
health. While it is easy to forget, being healthy is truly priceless.
Parker and I pray for the health of our families and friends and
relatives everyday.
It is amazing to see things in Parker
that he learned from Kristin. Every time he sees our pets and says,
“Look at our sweet, cute, birdies.” it puts a smile on my face
and touches my heart. When he sits next to me and says, “Snuggles”
and then shares them with me I think of all the times Kristin did
that with him. When he says, “Daddy........... I love You” I
think of all the times Kristin said something similar to him. Last
night Parker asked to listen to the songs that Kristin recorded for
us. He wanted me to sit with him while we listened. He said that he
was kind of sad because he missed Mommy because she was in heaven,
but she left her voice for us. Love is the most priceless gift of
all.
Below is a poem we have had hanging in
our house for several years. Today feels like a good day to share it.
Patrick - 03/12/15 
Live, Love, Laugh
LIVE as if each moment
could be your last!
Hold onto every second
do not idly let them pass.
LIVE life to its fullest,
a blessing that can be.
Put on those rosy glasses
and let there be beauty
in all you see.
LOVE with a heart of
passion
in all you endeavor to do.
Share it with others and
it will return back to
you.
LOVE all the wonderful
things
this world offers you.
Let it fill your longing
heart
for this is a blessing
too.
LAUGH as often as you can
'cause that will brighten
your day.
Share it with others, in
your voice,
your smile or some other
way.
LAUGH because you know it
will
take your stress away.
LIVE, LOVE, LAUGH...
and let this be
your very best day.
