Around this time on this date last year I was heading back to see my Pops at the hospital. It would turn out the last time I would see him alive and I wouldn’t change it for anything. He was ready to go on living or to join Mom who died almost to the day one year before. Either way he was content for which I am grateful.
Daily I realize how blessed I was to have had my parents, first as Father and Mother, then and Mom and Pops, then as friends. I am also blessed to have had parents who loved me, and I them, and that we really liked each other. They are sorely missed by me and others. Yet through the hardship of it all, me and my best friend The Bride, have learned to live every day as well plan for the future all the while honoring the past. You can do it all I think but you must live every day because time is short. Life is about choices,choose daily that it is time to fly.
Daffodil Hill Photography 
Beautiful image and wonderful words. You are indeed very lucky. I missed out on all you had and I am quite certain I am diminished as a result.
I am not arrogant nor ignorant enough to speak into the last part of your comment but I am certain we all find our way to ourselves if we work at it. Now I am certain you have put your time in,and what you did or did not have, you added by simply being aware. There is great value in that and the works you share with us here .Most folks are unaware of most things concerning their selves.You my friend are not one of those people. Peace~ John
Thank you John.
Well said, my friend, and we are all the better for having you (and The Bride) for friends.
Thanks Janet but I think that is the other way around…..
John…what a wonderful tribute to your parents and I’m sure they must have felt blessed to have you. I was also blessed with great parents (both have passed away now) and we had that kind of relationship that went beyond just parenthood. And now as a parent of 2 kids and 3 grandchildren I try to be that person they would be proud to call dad…and a friend. I love them unconditionally…period!
….Thanks for sharing John. This was a blessing to me. ~ Dave
oh yes….and that’s a great photo, love it! 🙂
Unconditionally. I like it Dave, that is really the way it should be. Peace to you and yours~ John