Life Lessons with Dad – Learn From the Past to Embrace Your Present

‎ by Patricia Phelan Clapp

As I was sitting in the hospital visiting my dad today, I was reminded of the many blessings I have had through the most stormiest of days.

The good news, my dad is doing great as he just underwent surgery for a hip replacement.

Typical dad – as he calls himself the bionic man with a new hip and a new knee (with a one of a kind sense of humor).  Funny thing was, throughout all the worry and the waiting, I was amazed to see how much my perspective has changed over the course of one week.

Just seven days ago, me and my family nervously waited (for six hours) while the doctors operated on my him. Yet, to be honest with you, it was one of the longest days of my life.

The point is, so much has changed with how I see the world around me in a mere 7 days. And I guess you could say, in layman’s terms, it was a reality check.

I was thankful for the little things (the heat in my house during a snow storm and electricity since it was a Nor’easter) and the big things I may have taken for granted (my family, our health, etc.) So, I suppose you could say that seeing my dad and experiencing the ups and downs of the past week put it all that back into perspective.

For some reason, time stood still  for a little while as I sat in the chair today at the rehabilitation facility my dad temporarily now calls home. I was not in a hurry. I had no iPhone in hand checking messages – as I left it in my car. It was not important to me nor were the calls I may get that would have interrupted my special time with him.  I simply sat there enjoying and listening to my dad.

This reflection made me realize some very important life lessons that many of us may be too busy to remember.

Sometimes when we experience bumps, obstacles and difficulties in our lives, there may be a bigger reason for this, but we just don’t know it yet. It is these tough times that can remind us to get back to the simple things we have been too busy to notice. Or, these obstacles may give us that well-needed detour to get back on track to that big goal, grander goal, that we may have ignored when we allow the chaos of our lives to take over.

For today, think about and reflect on all the tough times you have had and what you have learned from them. Make peace with those days and figure out a way to fit it into perspective of your life. By doing this, you will be able to befriend, so to speak, the daily, weekly or larger than life issues that we have to deal with that can stop us in our tracks.

By looking back with reflection and kindness, you won’t be as scared when faced with future difficulties, because, most likely, they are a happening for a reason.

Reflect on all the obstacles that you have faced over the course of your life-time. Back then, they may have appeared to be huge hurdles to jump and bridges to cross. Looking back, doesn’t it seem that they happened for a reason and aren’t you grateful that they did? Now, when faced with similar obstacles, remember that. These experiences (that you are facing right now – although difficult) may be part of a once in a lifetime learning experience to prepare you for one fantastic future.

You just don’t know it yet.

Trust that better days lie ahead. Just keep moving forward and always remember to keep the faith.

Most of all, amidst all the life lesson to be learned and the moments you can’t quite understand, make sure you are able to find some light in your day today. I know I did; and I proudly call him Dad.

 "Any man can be a father, but it takes a special person to be a Dad." Anonymous