For the first time in many years I have a beautiful photo of my entire family.
Every time I look at it, all I see is the gaping hole left by the one person who is missing.
I lost my dad on September 11th.
This portrait was taken the day after we said goodbye for the final time; our tribute to the family which would not have existed without him. That’s why, for the first time in weeks, we’re smiling.
“To laugh often and much,
To win the respect of intelligent persons
And the affection of children;
To earn the approbation of honest critics
And to endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty;
To find the best in others;
To give of one’s self;
To leave the world a little better,
Whether by a healthy child,
A garden patch
Or a redeemed social condition;
To have played and laughed with enthusiasm
And sung with exultation;
To know that even one life has breathed easier
Because you have lived –
That is to have succeeded.”
