Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here I am. Send me."
Isaiah 6:8
Isaiah 6:8
My Dad was in the military for 22 years - he was a paratrooper. It was only maybe a month before he passed away that I actually read what was on his awards and plaques that we have hanging up in the basement. One of his Airborne plaques had the logo with an eagle holding onto a sword and on the sword it said "Send Me." It makes sense, right... the military is there to protect us - they are sacrificing themselves to serve their country. I went to another framed paratrooper award and it had that ^ biblical quote written out.
At my Dad's memorial service, my Uncle spoke about how there are a lot of people who preach the word of God, but then he emphasized how my Dad actually LIVED the word. I chose to have that quote placed on the pamphlets for his memorial service because it not only represents the significant portion of his life that he gave to service, but it reflects his genuine sincerity in putting others before him and his constant urge to send himself regardless of his condition to help someone else. Even when he was sick, suffering, and in pain from chemo, radiation, and just the growth of his tumors and barely able to drive, he went to work when he realized people were screwing up, he visited his adoptive dad in Pennsylvania who had an operation despite how his dad treated him all those years; he was an ear to my Uncle who wasn't really there for him; he did everything possible to make my life easier... even when he was so sick... even when it was to solve my own personal screw-ups... just so that he wouldn't have to see me or my Mom struggle to get things done. How can someone be like this? I don't think I'd ever be able to.... especially to be devoted to someone I have little respect for and to go out of my way when I'm dying of cancer to just pay them a visit and make them feel like they are loved when they would never do the same for me. What an amazing, loving, and forgiving man. I love you and miss you so much, Dad and I wish you were here so I could have the opportunity to go out of my way and show you that you mean everything to me. There are so many things I should've done for you and I wish I still had those chances to give back everything you've ever done for me... and to show you how much you've taught me about generosity and love and kindness. I will see you someday and do that for you... Happy Father's Day, wonderful Dad.
At my Dad's memorial service, my Uncle spoke about how there are a lot of people who preach the word of God, but then he emphasized how my Dad actually LIVED the word. I chose to have that quote placed on the pamphlets for his memorial service because it not only represents the significant portion of his life that he gave to service, but it reflects his genuine sincerity in putting others before him and his constant urge to send himself regardless of his condition to help someone else. Even when he was sick, suffering, and in pain from chemo, radiation, and just the growth of his tumors and barely able to drive, he went to work when he realized people were screwing up, he visited his adoptive dad in Pennsylvania who had an operation despite how his dad treated him all those years; he was an ear to my Uncle who wasn't really there for him; he did everything possible to make my life easier... even when he was so sick... even when it was to solve my own personal screw-ups... just so that he wouldn't have to see me or my Mom struggle to get things done. How can someone be like this? I don't think I'd ever be able to.... especially to be devoted to someone I have little respect for and to go out of my way when I'm dying of cancer to just pay them a visit and make them feel like they are loved when they would never do the same for me. What an amazing, loving, and forgiving man. I love you and miss you so much, Dad and I wish you were here so I could have the opportunity to go out of my way and show you that you mean everything to me. There are so many things I should've done for you and I wish I still had those chances to give back everything you've ever done for me... and to show you how much you've taught me about generosity and love and kindness. I will see you someday and do that for you... Happy Father's Day, wonderful Dad.
