One Year Ago
It was a year ago that I was going through life and wandering a little aimlessly as I worked and was beginning to start life with my family. It was also a year ago that life changed drastically for me and my family. I haven’t talked much about what happened a year ago to my father and mother, but in reflection of this day, I feel I would be wrong to not share some of the core things that have helped me through this time.
Last year on this day, my father was murdered. It’s interesting to say it like that, but sadly that is the truth. The circumstances of how this came about are surrounded with many horrible circumstances for many. I want to try and address some of these things as well.
Remembering Hope
Despite what your belief system is, I hope that every single one of you out there can find a way to have hope in your life. It is important to always remember that many situations in life are only but small moments of the whole experience. The first lesson I learned is that you have to hope for a better tomorrow. Regardless of what is going on in life, somehow, some way, you should be able to find hope. It might be through the help of others, family, or something you do on your own. But in life, remember that you can make your life better, despite what others do to you.
Forgiveness
It might seem a little cliche to talk about forgiveness in a situation like this. Have I truly forgiven the man that has murdered my father? Probably not. The thing I think that many of us forget though is that holding onto grudges, ill feelings, and unhappiness towards others actually causes more damage then the initial pain they caused. In a life surrounded by bad things and things we can’t control, we have to remember to focus our energy on the things that we can fix and control. Really that comes down to ourselves. That’s all we have the capability of controlling. I’d ask you to remember that and to move on with life and bring yourself up and past all the horrible things caused by those around you. It’s important to do that so you can find happiness.
Work
I have to say that one of the greatest lessons my Father ever taught me was the value of work. I was pretty bad at work when I was younger. I used to duck an dive work like the best of them. But my dad was always constant about the need to do work in life. Some might say he was a little extreme as well as I can remember working in a factory running the bottle filling process at the age of 10, or the many other things I did at a young age. But honestly looking back, those lessons have helped me learn so many valuable resources to be able to bring my life some joy. Work is really rewarding for me. I love the feeling of accomplishing things and doing things so that I can make something better. If you are sad in life, I think you should work a little harder. Work really does help you feel better about everything in life. Go give it a try.
Service
Serving others is pretty important. I’ve learned a ton about the importance of service. Despite everything that’s been going on in my life, I always remember that there are other people out there with problems too. No problem is identical, but they all affect us in identical ways. As you go through life, I hope you remember to have charity and love towards others. I have a strong knowledge that service is a very key attribute to happiness in life. Find a way to give back and you’ll never forget it.
Life is Too Short
You know, life really is too short. It’s too short for you to be freaking out about getting into school, getting an interview, getting a pay raise, a bonus, a new car, a new anything. What ever happened to the hear and now? You never know what will happen in life, but you know what is happening. What are you doing with your time today? Who’s life are you making better? Who’s company are you enjoying today? Spend time with those you love and enjoy it. The phrase if only will get you absolutely nothing in life and will just leave you with a bunch of shattered desires. Focus on what’s actually important and I guarantee your life will be better.
Remember
Remember those that have come before you. Remember the good times. Remember the wonderful, the beautiful, the great, remember anything that brings you joy. It’s a sad state of the human condition to forget the good things and only remember the bad. On this day, remember my father for who he was, and the person he has taught me to be. Remember him for the great things he has done, not his mistakes. Remember a man who in the end just wanted nothing more than to help his family. Remember all of the people that have influenced your life. Remember the good and forget the bad. Not the other way around.
As a way to remember, you can read my post from a year ago about my father. Find it here
Thanks to everyone in my life that has helped me through the past year.
Loading ...