I've recently signed up for The Kindness Project after reading Carolina Valdez Miller's beautiful post (another one of the so many awe-inspiring posts she's written on her blog) but never got around to posting anything. So, today, I thought it's about time I do that.
I hope you forgive me if I'm presently still lost in my own little world. I've recently told you about losing my father. We probably always say this about our parents but this is the truth: my father was one of the kindest people I know. He always had a nice thing to say about and to almost anyone. Even when someone was inconsiderate or rude to him, he was still nice. This was probably why people loved him.
I had not seen my father since 2009. I wasn't there when he fell ill after his operation in January this year. I wasn't there when he got hospitalised for two months. It was torture not being there for him and for my family. But I couldn't do anything because I couldn't afford to go home and see them. In June, doctors told my family Dad may not have too long to live. We were all devastated. We knew it was going to happen. But when he passed away on the 24th of July, it was still a shock. I was just on the phone talking to him the night before. The truth is nobody ever prepares anyone of us for something like this. No amount of courage or positive-thinking could ever make it less painful.
In the midst of all this though, beautiful things happened. My father was surrounded with kindness.
Help came in all forms.
Visits to the hospital
A cooling fan for my father
Bags of different kinds of fruits
An electric thermal pot
Phone calls. E-mails.
Messages via texting, chat, Facebook, etc.
A warm embrace.
A kiss.
The warmth of a hand over my father's and mother's.
Prayers.
Positive thoughts.
Most of all, your presence which provided comfort.
There was - and still is - so much love, kindness, generosity and compassion pouring out within and around us. I was so deeply touched. In the midst of this all, I saw the face of God. That's just how I would describe it.
Let me say thank you. I cannot put all of your names here but, you know who you all are. I wish I could but I know I will not be able to be there for every one of you. But if there is anything I can do within my capacity to help, I'd do it. And I mean it.
I wish for all of you to see the same "beautiful face" I saw at a time when you most need to see it. I wish that you all be surrounded with kindness and love. Outpouring. The same way you surrounded me and my family with them.
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Please be sure to check out all the inspirational posts for THE KINDNESS PROJECT.
Having lost my dad over two years ago to cancer, I feel your heart, Len. And mine weeps with yours. But kindness comes in ways we don't expect, and I love that you saw God's face in the middle of sadness.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Barbara.
DeleteIt is wonderful to read you had so much support, and again I am sorry you couldn't make it home. As you know, I am going through a similar situation, Len. Your support and kind words help me through the dark days.
ReplyDeleteHi Glynis. I'm so sorry about your Dad. It is hard, Glynis...please do let me know if you need someone to talk to. I'm here.
DeleteBig big hugs!
ReplyDeleteTake care
x
Hug back, Kitty :)
DeleteBeautiful words Len. Kindness makes everyhting better, doesn't it.
ReplyDeleteThank you, A.
DeleteI am so sorry to hear of your loss. Will be thinking of and praying for you as you move ahead. When my Mom passed away two years ago, a friend told me to allow myself to grieve, that it was okay to take time and work through things. It was the best advice, and really helped me. Perhaps it will help you too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this timely reminder of the importance of kindness.
Thank you, Karen. That's what my husband always tells me, too. My family and I remind each other that it is ok to cry, it is ok to be sad and it takes time. Yes, it does help. Thank you for your comforting words.
DeleteOh, Len, this is a beautiful post. I'm sure it was hard to write -- I can feel it in your words. It's impressive how you can find all these positives in the face of such a devastating loss. I'm sure your father knew how much he was loved.
ReplyDeleteA Random Act of Kindness every day, take care Len, thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteI've joined the Kindess Project and so glad I did. I'm meeting some new bloggers with many things to share that are truly "kind stories."
ReplyDeleteLosing a parent is one our most difficult life passages. For a year after my dad died, I entered my family home fully expecting him to greet me in the kitchen with his smile and his apron and his spoon dripping with his amazing spaghetti gravy. He'll always be in my heart and my thoughts, so in that way he continues to be part of my life. Crying helps. Time does the major work. I really do understand how you feel and I send my warmest thoughts for you during this time.