Family of change
My family is the greatest gift of living on the earth. For better and for worse, they are there when I need someone to help see me through all of life’s challenges. I wish to dedicate this page to my inseparable family unit.
To my mother: Thank you Mom for being an amazing example of love. Your devotion to your faith has provided me with the great examples of forgiveness that I have used to further my spiritual path, especially in the times of the greatest need. Your open-mindedness allowed me to make the mistakes necessary for me to walk and stumble, and you were always there to help me pick up the pieces. Your fiscal knowledge has taught me how to be frugal, and to find joy in simplicity. And those times when there were extra funds, you taught me how to spend with style.
To my father: Thank you Dad for your fiery energy and dedication to work and family. My only wish would have been to spend more time with you, doing the things together that we had in common. You were one of the most skilled consumers I knew. I appreciate your love for gadgetry and continue your ambition as a gadget master! I love that your spirit, now free from your body, is able to connect with me in those moments of silence. May your soul continue to flourish in the afterlife.
To my wife: There was always one thing that was missing from my life, and you, my dearest wife, filled that void. Not only did you bring stability and virtue to my life, but you also brought grace to my existence. Our meeting was nothing less than a powerful stroke of angelic fate, and we were given to each other to bring beauty into the world. I cherish the times when we connect with each other, for it’s in those moments that time stops and the universe finally makes sense.
To my son: When you came into the world, you were ready to be heard. Your iron will combined with your pervasive charm has always amazed me, and it’s my greatest hope to facilitate your path in this world. You have taught me again what it means to play, and I love how you never hold a grudge when we disagree. My son, you bring me so much joy, and I am always glad to be there to love you.
To my sister: Back in my teens, you gave me guidance in the form of a deck of cards. These were no regular cards, but instead, they were an oracle to delve deeper into my spirit and the spirit of others. This is how I hold you dear, for you were always looking out for my well being. And once I found my true path, you were a beloved supporter. Even though now we don’t have the time we once had to just hang out and compare notes about life, I still hold a special place in my heart for our relationship. I always wish happiness for you.
To my January brother: Though we were separated by too many years to grow up together, you were an inspiration for me. Vicariously I learned much from you and watched as you worked as hard as Dad to make a good life for your family. I suffered as I watched you go through your many heart surgeries, and reveled with you as you made the hard decisions to make a better life for yourself. I’ve always enjoyed our interactions together and hope to have many more glorious days together.
To my February brother: Competition was the main theme when we were kids. When I couldn’t get your attention, I would make sure I could get you in trouble. But even through my teenage years, I always loved watching your skillful hands when you fixed cars. When Dad’s critical eye eased off of me, you tried to make sure that I wouldn’t do anything too stupid. You were my protector, even though I resisted practically all the time. Now that we are older and have our own families, I miss your company and wish that you weren’t thousands of miles away. And when everything is said and done, I know that we are destined to stand together in God’s light.
To my other beloved extended family: I could go on at length to dedicate messages to my many family members. Some of you have been crucial to my growth. Some of you have seen sides of me that only family could love. I’m happy to share a familial blood bond with all of you, and one day we all can dance together in the beautiful light of God’s love. I hope you can feel and share with me the love that permeates from my body, and may it travel to you and everyone you love.