GRATITUDE DIARY
Today, I want to share with you a memory about my Dad. On Aug, 6th 1999 he suddenly passed away from a heart-attack. On Aug, 7th 2017 - I have been alive longer without him physically here than, the time I had him alive as my father on this physical earth.
But, I know I'm not the only one to have lost a parent at a young age.
So, on Sunday gone it was Father's Day - I want to share a memory of him and at this stage at least one reason why I am grateful for him.
I love stories because of my dad. I love listening to stories (personal experiences, meaning non-fiction and fiction stories). Mum and Dad had 8-children so bedtime was always a challenge.
So, on the off chance that Dad's time wasn't consumed with tending to any other of his children, he would come and tell us bedtime stories all snuggled up in bed. He told us the account of Jesus walking on water, among other stories like the Three Billy Goats Gruff.
I am grateful for a father who spent time telling me stories of Jesus - those times cuddled into him and fighting to stay awake. You know as an adult when you're putting a child to sleep, you put your arm under their head - I remember my head on dads arm, I would try to focus on his arm and if he moved it to wake up and tell him to stay. I never could, once asleep, very much asleep.
So, now as an adult - because I don't have any of my own children (yet) but I am an Aunty to many nephews and nieces, I love spending time with them before they sleep - telling them stories of Jesus, telling them stories from the Book of Mormon - hoping that they remember the stories and keep them safe in their hears.
In the telling, we remember.
A few years ago, I realised that I had forgotten the end to the story 'The Three Billy Goats Gruff' - it made me sad, because I could hear dad in my memories eye say 'WHO'S THAT WALKING ON MY BRIIIIIIIDGE?!?!?!?'...
In the telling, we remember.
And, while I don't prioritise telling this story - I do share stories of Jesus and of the Book Of Mormon, often to them - so, they remember.
Gratitude.
I am grateful.
Arohanui
Parns
I am grateful for a father who spent time telling me stories of Jesus - those times cuddled into him and fighting to stay awake. You know as an adult when you're putting a child to sleep, you put your arm under their head - I remember my head on dads arm, I would try to focus on his arm and if he moved it to wake up and tell him to stay. I never could, once asleep, very much asleep.
So, now as an adult - because I don't have any of my own children (yet) but I am an Aunty to many nephews and nieces, I love spending time with them before they sleep - telling them stories of Jesus, telling them stories from the Book of Mormon - hoping that they remember the stories and keep them safe in their hears.
In the telling, we remember.
A few years ago, I realised that I had forgotten the end to the story 'The Three Billy Goats Gruff' - it made me sad, because I could hear dad in my memories eye say 'WHO'S THAT WALKING ON MY BRIIIIIIIDGE?!?!?!?'...
In the telling, we remember.
And, while I don't prioritise telling this story - I do share stories of Jesus and of the Book Of Mormon, often to them - so, they remember.
Gratitude.
I am grateful.
Arohanui
Parns
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