Nov 9th, 2020: A Note About My Father
My father passed away yesterday evening in Montreal. Some of you might know that he had Covid-19 and survived. We had been able to see and talked to him via Zoom four times a week until this past week. He didn't suffer much and passed away peacefully with my younger sister by his side. So I am going to take this moment to share with you what I miss about him the most.
His unassuming and kind manners: He and mom went through a lot in their life together over the 70 years. He never thought highly of himself and was always kind to people in his life.
His love and respect for my mother: He would never say a negative word about my mother. He always believed in her gifts and respected her decisions. He never put her down or had angry words to her.
His perseverance and consistency: my dad was not a giving up type. He might be quiet, but he was very committed to what he wanted to do. He was never boasting about his successes but very reflective about his failures.
His love for God: It could be seen in his relationships with his family, his community, and the people who used to work with him. He was not a preacher but a lover of God and people.
I am giving thanks on this day as I mourn his passing. I am not in despair because my faith tells me that he is where he should be. I give thanks for his life and example. I remain in God with the knowledge that God is with us always.
Psalm 23
"The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever."
