The year my father turned 75, I decided to gift him with a letter of gratitude. We’d had a difficult go, and while I sometimes hated him, I always loved him, and I wasn’t sure I’d expressed the latter enough.
I acknowledged his personal struggles, and apologized for any heartache I’d caused him, choosing to recognize that the struggles we survive are just polish on the people we become.
He cried, said that he had a hard time seeing that perspective, but appreciated my words.
It’s true though. As much as I can sit and ponder ‘what ifs’, who I am today is a product of personal life experience. I have been prodded, stretched, tested and baked, and now that I am finally coming to a place of peace with all that, the possibility of shining is open.
Better now than ever.
***
Thanks for all who participated this week. Our focus was polish. No fancy wrap-up as I’m currently packing up and the task is daunting.
Sgeoil
Abandoned Amenities
one letter UP
Stuff and what if…
parallax
Willow Poetry
Proscenium
Sweet Aroma
See you tomorrow for a new challenge.

A heartwarming post V.J. It took courage to write that letter though it must be very rewarding for you to have done so. Happy travels. It did snow today, and now melting.
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Yeah for melting! Thanks Hélène.
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Very welcome V.J.
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A wonderful and hopeful post. Good for you! Wishing you all good and even more peace as your journey continues.
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Thank you so much!
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Canada bound, just like the geese starting to return. Happy travels, V. J. 🙂
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Thanks Olga. Heard it snowed again today. Hope it’s gone shortly.
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That was a wonderful gift, you gave your father–how I wish (regretful) I’d done that for my mom. It might have made all the difference in the ending to our story…but I just wasn’t “there” yet, too full of fear. Thinking of you as you pack up to return home–prayers lifted for safe travel ❤
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Thank you. I’ll be happy when we are safely restored to our home.
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I’m sure you will. Take courage, be of good cheer–God’s got you!
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