Imprint in our Hearts!

It is a week before Thanksgiving.   Today, I choose to reflect on the ones who have made an imprint in your life - whether they are alive or deceased.  Often the ones that are closest to us, are also the ones who are no longer physically with us.  And this time of the year, can be particularly difficult especially because Thanksgiving marks the union of family - far and near.  For me, specially although time has passed, not a day goes by without me thinking of my father, whom I lost 12 years ago, around this time of the year.   Although the memories are not painful anymore, I usually take this time to reflect on his life -his imprint on me and being grateful for being his daughter.

Last week, I decided to take a walk in the woods at the nature center -we have a bench that we have dedicated in his memory -with a quote by his favorite Poet, Rabindranath Tagore.  Mind you, I seldom go there, but this time I was determined to find my path on my own.  I started walking thinking i would find it - but i found myself lost in the woods.  Usually I would have become panicky, upset, because I had set out on an intention and it did not appear instantly - but this time, I decided to do otherwise - let my heart guide me because I knew I would find the bench - and I did in due timing.   I love to write after walking in nature.  And so, below is what came out of my time in the woods on the bench that gave me closeness and proximity to my dad.   Yes, it is personal - and I choose to share this more so for those who may have a loved one who is no longer with them and want to pay tribute to them - do this for you, do this for yourself. 

My father, My friend

From a very young age, I took to you,

Your way of speaking,

Your view of the world,

Compassionate, gentle, idealistic, and yet practical

In your world, I was introduced to Literature, Books, Music & Film!

I allowed myself to dive into it, and continue that eternal search of "Who Am I?"

The idea of always wanting to better myself and at times to perfection was instilled in me from a young age.

You taught us to love all, to treat all as equal.

Each of us come with gifts on this earth and we need to treasure them. 

I learned to laugh at myself, and more I learned to love food like you did....

For the many road trips and plane trips that we went on I am eternally grateful. 

Exposing me to another world, another way of life, a different culture. 

Your hard work, strong ethic, I saw it come to the forefront in your sweat.

Your love for education & sacrifices for us, I will never forget

When you left, I was prepared, yet a hole in my heart remained. 

Trying to remember everyday your words that you are never away, and always with us...

Difficult to do, but it pushed me to believe it. 

When I want to find you, all I have to do is go within, and a strength emerges. 
When I want to be inspired by you, all I have to do is go to nature and feel the beauty of the world around us.

When I have to be practical, all I have to do is go back to the words you left me. 

They are always with me. 

I give thanks to you for bringing me in this world.

I give thanks to you for being able to always see past the surface and hold my head up high and walk. 

I give thanks to you for your wisdom that still lives on in the lives of those you touched.

And I give thanks to you for letting me see the beauty in death. 

For when you were gone, You showed me the true meaning of life - which is to Love!

And Give Love~

Let me always remember this message on this journey of Life!

Happy Journaling!