Breathe…and remember

I wouldn’t know anything about losing someone as an adult but I know a little about lost, from losing the dearest person in my life as an impressionable child on the cusp of adolescent. It’s nearly 30 years since the experience and the memory still knocks me off my feet, leaving me gasping for air. Breathe…and remember, just breathe.

Call me a daddy’s girl and I’ll reply, ‘yeah, and proud of it!’ cos I am. Losing him at 12 was a confusing time, registering that he is gone for good and not registering what that meant for my life or my family. Being an observant and introvert child, my grief was difficult to identify and interpret.

I’ve always felt like I live my life with a guardian angel watching over me and Death as a companion. Morbid, some may say but it’s been such a blessing to be able to learn about Death because it forces me to reflect on life, the short lifetime I shared with my father.

Take a breath and take stock of the fragility of life. It’s a heartbreaking experience to lose someone and I am grateful that I still feel the lost even now as it reminds me to stay true and live a fulfilled life. Death gave me an amazing perspective of life.

When it’s time for me to take my last breath, I will welcome Death like an old friend and we will be chatting about the times we nearly met. What a wonderful encounter that would be eh…

So…take the time to reflect, breathe and remember. Remember to be kind, have compassion, be considerate and have patience.

Thank you father for all the hugs, kisses, crazy rides on your motorbike, the dance lessons while I had my feet on yours (you are the best dance partner anyone could have asked for) and your smile, they kept me going when I was at my lowest. Know that I am living a happy and fulfilled life because of what you’ve taught me in life and in death, Live with No Regrets. I love you…always and forever.