(Dad and Me - a photo of a photo as the scanner is down.)In 1971, I had just returned to Virginia, with my first husband, from a two year military duty in Fairbanks, Alaska. At that time, Dad was in a veteran's hospital in Maryland. We paid him a visit and then I wrote a long overdue heartfelt letter expressing my love and gratitude for him. Our relationship had always been a rocky one. A week or so passed, when we had an emergency call that Dad was in intensive care. As I watched the monitor record his heart beat, I wondered about my letter. Had I waited too long? Dad died that night at the age of 56.
The day soon came when the unopened envelope was delivered to me. That letter caused more grief than his passing. It took ten years before I could share what happened without shedding a few tears. Friends and family reassured me that my father knew my true feelings.
On a brighter note, in 1999, I woke up one Father's Day morning long before dawn. Eyes closed, I began thinking about the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is strong in me. I let that powerful thought sink in to my mind. The more I silently repeated the words: The Holy Spirit is strong in me, the stronger the loving Presence became.
Then, to my surprise, my father's face appeared in my mind's eye.
It was so unexpected.
I began reflecting on his life. The gifts he had given me. Life. Creativity. There wasn't anything he couldn't do if he put his mind to it. He was a journalist, military leader, and a free thinker. He thought Madison Avenue was a trap. He wasn't religious but believed God was a Supreme Being. When I was a child, he seemed to be an angry man. I didn't understand the war memories he hid deep within that earned him The Purple Heart.
After much reflection that morning, I found myself welling up. "I love you, Dad. I am glad that you were my Father. That I am the person I am. I thank you for all the gifts you gave me."
Then I remembered. It's Father's Day! So that's why I saw you.
My heart was filled with a peaceful gratitude. When my husband, Elliot, woke up, I shared my experience. Dad had been frustrated by the times he lived in. An Aquarian, he was fifty years ahead of his time, and misunderstood.
A sudden thud interrupted me.
The framed picture of Jesus on my nightstand had toppled over, and the lamp turned on! The darkened room filled with light!
Ripples of goosebumps brought a rush of tears.
In that moment, I knew Dad was with us.
"I know you're here, Dad. I love you!"
Later, my logical mind kicked in. "Did the picture trigger the lamp when it fell?" I asked Elliot.
But he had heard the lamp CLICK as it turned on. Elliot smiled. "Accept the gift."
I can't think of a better gift. Love is never ending and extends beyond time and space. Happy Father's Day!
Enjoy your day with the Angels.
Love and joyful blessings,
Rae Karen
