What My Daddy Taught Me!

What happens when you lose someone close to you? Celebrate their life!

I never thought I would be so young (in my mind) and not have my Daddy around to experience my grown up years. Unfortunately for me, my Daddy was called home 4 years ago today.

Some might think I would be sad. I am a little bit; however, he lived life to the fullest everyday that I don’t feel like he had any regrets.

Growing up, we didn’t have a lot of money, but were very rich in the most important aspect…LOVE! He loved with all of his heart, soul, mind and strength, always serving. This is what my Daddy taught me.

He had a way of touching people with kind words and simple inspirational challenges. He motivated and kept the spirit of his men high, and even his family.

You see, my Daddy was a Chaplain in the Army. One of his deployments included The Gulf War. As you can imagine, emotions run rampant during a time of war. And my Daddy seemed to always know just what to say and how to say it to the soldiers.

There is a picture that was taken during The Gulf War where 3 crosses were made and the soldiers dug out an amphitheater. This was the place where they had a sunrise Easter service. Hope and love given to soldiers during a tough time in the middle of a desert! That was my Daddy, always going bigger! Never leaving anyone out and serving with his heart.

At the time of his passing, he was a Hospital Chaplain. He had retired from 20 years of service in the Navy and in the Army. There wasn’t a morning that he didn’t pray with each patient before their surgery. When tragedy struck, he was quick to give comfort and words of encouragement. 

As I sit and reflect with you as to what my Daddy taught me, it is to love and to serve with all your heart, soul, mind and strength!

How are you living your life? Are you simply going through the motions and hoping for change? Or are you instrumental in the change for your life; loving and serving with your heart?

Life will not bring about happiness and joy sitting on the sidelines. You must be a player in the game of life! You must invest in yourself first, so you can love and serve others. Everyone is looking for the magic pill to take care of everything.

The magic is in YOU! You hold the key to life! 

Change starts with you. Life is YOU!! Make today count for we are not guaranteed tomorrow. Be present in your day. Go out to love and to serve with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. That’s what my Daddy taught me.