The Two Things My Parents Taught Me
I actually remember it like it was yesterday. It was a pretty warm day in early June. My little friend, Trish (younger and much smaller) and I were playing in the basement of the home I grew up in. We could make fun out of just about anything. On this particular day, we happened to be playing ‘Diner’. ‘Diner’ consisted of an empty coffee pot, those camping cups with the disposable liners, and fruit roll ups cut into little pieces. We would take turns serving each other – order the food, bring the food, and then bring the bill.
It was a fun game that we played often.
The day had been pretty normal up until I heard a bunch of ruckus upstairs. Someone was yelling on the phone and I could hear some screaming (not shrill, just loud voices that weren’t usually heard in my house). I went upstairs to see what was happening and was greeted with a tone of panic, “go back downstairs and stay there.”
So I went back to playing for a few minutes ….. until I heard the sirens.
I ran upstairs only to find the paramedics in our house, they seemed to be taking my dad somewhere. I looked at my mother and her lip looked bitten- a dark blue color on the side of her mouth. What was that from? What happened? Where were they taking my dad? Why wasn’t he moving? Why did HE look blue? Oh…my Mom said through tears and her big blue lips- “They are taking your dad and you can’t go with him”. I remember. I just stood there.
He was dead by the time the paramedics showed up to save him. My mom almost wrecked herself trying to save him with CPR and Mouth to Mouth.
My dad was gone. He was only 37. I was only 11.
I know- isn’t it a morbid memory? It is one I will never forget and I am sharing it with you for 2 specific reasons.
1. My Mom saw my dad die. She was there and she tried to save him and she couldn’t. That’s more trauma than a lot of us will face in a lifetime.
She didn’t stop living. She went on to have an outstanding 42 year career as an exceptional nurse, educator, and manager. On top of this, she raised 3 amazing kids. She is currently a healthy and happy ‘almost’ 70 years old. She never stopped trying, working, loving, moving, caring, and living and hoping.
She taught me: no matter what happens in life, you must always pull up your socks and move forward. ALWAYS.
2. Life can change in an instant- at any time, any place, and any age. I don’t remember my Dad telling me- but I am certain he had hopes and dreams. I am certain he left this life without saying things he wanted to say and doing the things he wanted to do.
He taught me: LIVE life, show people you love them, tell them every single day. Spend time with those people who lift you up and inspire you to be better- and most of all – Life is what you make it. It’s up to YOU to make your life what you want it to be. Don't wait. Go get it now!
In my younger years I never really believed in the saying “every cloud has a silver lining.”
Now I see it and I believe it. I see so clearly that I am the one who is blessed with an Angel Daddio- watching over me and keeping me safe. I am grateful for my stronger than Hercules Mother who seemed to always get up when she fell down and continues to love unconditionally. No judgement ever. Just love. It’s truly amazing.
Trish and I never played ‘Diner’ again but we did find other ways to spend our time. Life happens.
You see my friend, life does happen- it keeps going and you have the key to make it whatever you want it to be. Dream big, take chances, fall in love, laugh, learn new things, and never, ever forget that you are truly loved.
Sending you loads of love,
Diana