One year ago

By faith, we know that you are with God.
By faith, we know that you are with us in spirit.
By faith, we know that you are loved.
But we sure missed you here.

The sun will shine this morning, just like it did on September 16th last year.
The birds will sing and the dogs will run.
But in our hearts, we are reminiscing you and the time you had with us.

I am so grateful that you had given me the chance
to come back from my trip to be with you on your last hours last year.
You asked that I would pray for you and be there, as you take your last breath.
And I did.

Dad, it was my honor to do so.
And since then, I thought of you every day.
I said rosaries and pray for you, even though by faith, I know you are with God.

Dad, please say thanks to God for taking good care of you.
Thank Him for watching over our family.
Mom seems fine, and everyone seem healthy and happy.
Thank God on our behalf, Dad.

Dad, and please do not cease to pray for all of us.
Pray to God that by His mercy, love, and sacrifice,
that we would come to love and live a life worthy of Him.

And Dad, pray to God so that He may grant us the peace, love, and joy,
that He had given you.
Ask God to watch over our family, each one of us, and guide us in our life.
Ask God to teach us to live simply and happily as you did.

And then, Dad, be our advocate in heaven.
Ask God to forgive our shortcomings and to overlook our sins.
Ask God to strengthen us and lead us to Him.

By faith, we know you are in heaven with God.
By faith, we know you are looking over us.
May the past year be the year that we have learned to appreciate you and the life you led.
May the coming years be the years of our growing in faith and love of God.

Amen.