Sunday Morning Reflections - Saying Good-bye

I rarely miss a day of posting to this blog, but this week there's something going on that's simply more important than business. Even with some posts in the pipeline, I'll probably miss a few more days this week, but here's why. While I know I don't have to explain anything, it feels good to write a little about what's happening.

​A few times over the years I've been criticized for sharing a blog post that was too personal. The truth is, I always listen to my critics and take into consideration what they're saying. However, in the end, I typically do whatever my heart suggests anyway.  While most of what I share is about business, marketing and my expertise/experiences, now and then there's a very personal moment to write about. Well, here's a big one this morning.

Yesterday, after sound medical advice from his doctors, we put my Dad in hospice care. He's 93 with a variety of unfixable challenges in his health and the day has finally come to let go. He's been my best buddy my entire life, and as I write this post, I realize it's as much for my "therapy" as trying to share a moment with you.

I write a lot about old photographs, and this is where they've played a huge role this week. We found a box of old images, and each one has been a key to reminding me to slow down on the tears and celebrate Dad's life. Many of the images we shared with him while he was still in the hospital. Each one brought back another memory.

Here's what I think might be our first truly professional family portrait. It was done by Julian Apsel Studio in Cleveland and has to be around 1965. We laughed at Mom's hairstyle and Dad's weight, which back then put him around 220 lbs at 5' 10".

Last night I spent an hour by myself talking to Dad at the side of his bed. While he never really responded, I know he could hear me. As I looked at Dad and watched him drift, I realized that even with the challenge of aging and being at best 5' 5" and 140 lbs today,  he'll always be the biggest guy in my life. 


​It's a short post today, but there's always a point. Take nothing and no one for granted. Appreciate everyone you hold near and dear to you, because they won't be here forever. Don't waste time on challenges in life that don't matter and most of important of all, make those hugs last eleven seconds. An eleven second hug is therapeutic and gives you enough time to think about how much those special people in your life mean to you.

And one more thing...thank you for all being a part of my life. I know I'll be writing more about my Dad at some point, but for now he's getting ready to head home to God and I cherish every moment he's been in my life.

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