Dad saw the world through eyes that had seen just about everything this broken and beautiful world had to offer and still thought life was great! He never walked away from a challenge – rather he did whatever he could to make every situation better even if it meant more work or hardship. I will never be able to fill his shoes or even his white socks, but I sure try.

It’s hard to believe I have been making my way without him for six years now. I miss his words of assurance and I still need his advice, but I know that his love is always here.

My dad died around 10 am the morning of April 29, 2017. I was blessed to be by his side. Watching someone you love slip the bonds of this world is utterly life-taking and exhausting. Later that afternoon, feeling completely undone and empty, I went for a long walk in the hills where I had always done my best thinking and dreaming.

As I made my way back to the pavement, there parked right where the path led me was a VW bus with this message from heaven. “Let Your Light So Shine.” (The title of this little blog of mine!)

The driver – an angel who seemed to know what my tears and incredulous laughter were all about – walked and talked with me until my smile had overcome my tears. I want to be that person for someone someday!!

Dad saw the world through eyes that had seen just about everything this broken and beautiful world had to offer and still thought life was great! I know he was telling me to carry on – and shine.

Thanks, Dad. I love you more than words can say.
Your light still shines.