This is my first Thanksgiving without my dad.
Not a day goes by that I don't miss him greatly, but not a day goes by that I don't thank God for blessing me with such a role model.
When I announced this spring that I was writing a book about Dad, I received hundreds and hundreds of emails. I read every one of them but the sheer number, and emotion in each, overwhelmed me. I failed to respond, but please know how much they inspired me to work that much harder on the book and to tell the story of Dad's faith in God, his hope for the future, and his genuine love for each and every moment and for the uniqueness of each and every person he met.
In the course of writing the book, I read the daily letters that he wrote me, some of which I never had a chance (or took the time) to read when he was alive; I read his speeches; and I read others' reflections of him. It's been an emotional rollercoaster but there have been many more highs than lows!
One of the speeches that I came across struck a chord, especially amidst the discouraging news on the political and economic fronts. Dad gave the speech at the University of Notre Dame on February 7, 1968 and I wanted to share a few lines with you:
"We need to make a national examination of conscience. Why do we need a national examination of conscience?? Because suddenly we Americans seem to be panicking. It's time to stop moaning and wringing our hands. It's true; the country is in a crisis. But we have always been in a crisis. We ought to thank God we are. Because then we always have something to test us -- like a piece of steel that stays strong precisely because it is enduring great pressure."
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I feel beholden to my parents also. Plain simple working people who taught me to give an honest day's work for an honest day's pay, how to get by on as little as possible and still have a decent life, and that education is not merely confined to books but also to logical thinking and sound application of that thinking.
I had the opportunity to meet your Dad a couple of times due to my company's work with Special Olympics. My picture with your Dad at the Special Olympics in Raleigh from about 11 or 12 years ago is a prized possession.
As a fellow author, I wish you much success with your book. Your Dad's messages are timeless and important. Spreading them far and wide will be a great service to us all.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Sincerely,
mike jeffries
Author, A Family's Heartbreak: A Parent's Introduction to Parental Alienation
PS -- I also rode in your brother's Best Buddies ride one year. The last ten miles were a killer!
From the "musicforchange" org.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Us-TVg40ExM
HAPPY THANKSGIVING everyone!!!
I know what you mean. Please accept my wishes for a happy and joyous Thanksgiving.
to those once with us,
who no longer remain,
we feel your loss,
and it causes pain.
but we know you are
in a place of peace,
with others, just like you,
whose troubles have ceased.
your tenure on earth
with us never enough,
yes we go on,
but at times it is rough.
♥