Hi Dad,

Today you would have turned 84.  Hope you could send us a hello from the other side.  How are you?  Have you risen high up enough to see God's face everyday?  Or does God have a face?  Maybe just a Light, not too bright, not too hot, just shining and glorious?  I take it you now don't have a body or a face either, just a free and comfortable spirit, I imagine.  You most likely don't have any worry, or stress, or pain.  Can you look down on us?  Can you ask God to bless us extra good?

We had a warm and fuzzy Thanksgiving, as you could see.  Mom seemed to be in good cheers.  All our family gathered and had so much fun.  All grandchildren from afar came home, except An.  But that was okay because she was striving to be our future "Le family doctor" (to take care of us all later, no pressure, of course!!).  We missed her though.  And we missed you, dad.  But we didn't feel so sad any more, not like last year. 

When I think about your current state of being, I actually feel happy for you.  My memories of you have always been a handsome, healthy, happy, loving man.  But the other day, Ha posted some pictures of you in your last hour with us.  Seeing those pictures got me thinking about our mortality.  Everyone will die, sooner or later.  What will our death be like?  Will we be as blessed as you, with all the sacraments received to cleanse your soul, with all your family gathered around, with so much love and prayers to send you off?

On the other hand, for many years growing up, I have always thought Cancer is a foreigner, from a distant land.  Cancer only happens to other people, not to our family.  We don't speak it's language and we won't even go there.  But after both you and Cau Nam died of cancer, I got to rethink this C word.  If immediate relations got hit, how safe am I?  It's no longer a foreigner.  It's here and ready to attack any day.  It's worse than Isis!!!   

However, I cannot live in fear.  I just have to be vigilant.  Maybe I can start to combat it from here, from now with preventive measures.  Right dad?  I am trying to eat more healthy, to rest more and stress less.  I am trying to be more spiritual, and to find joy in everyday living, working, praying.  I am grateful for everyone and everything around me, most of the time, or... maybe more than half the time!  Okay, alright, at least I am working at it! 

Dad, you have lived a life full of grace and died a graceful death.  Please ask God to help us be like you in time of health and time of sickness.  But for now, more immediately, ask God to delay the sickness part as long as He can.  Thank you, Dad.

Happy Birthday Dad!  I love you.

 

Huyen