Family - It's Where You Come From (an updated post from 6/28/13)

“When everything goes to hell, the people who stand by you without flinching -- they are your family. ”

-- Jim Butcher

Thought about where you came from lately? I haven't, and that bothered me. I have nothing to be ashamed of; I come from great, loving, parents. It was something to live up to. My son and daughter say I succeeded, but, I always wondered.  I know I wasn't always there, and, God knows what lies my ex-wife said about me, but it helped me remember where I come from.

My family were huggers.  They were Sicilian, after all, at least dad was.  Mom was descended from Mississippi dirt farmers. Dad was a Democrat and Mom was a Republican, at least until the liberal socialists got involved, and then Dad switched to a Republican.

Mom and dad always made sure to say they loved me, even after a scolding. I've always hugged my kids, but, I'm not sure I said I loved them enough. I'm not sure I say I love my mom enough, now.  Dad passed in April of 2019.  He beat prostate cancer but succumbed to his fourth stroke.  He changed due to the strokes.  He wasn't the father I remembered.  I still loved him.

Nobody is getting any younger. My mom turned around and I was gone in the military for almost 23 years. I think I've made them proud with what I accomplished in life. Then, I turned around and the divorce snatched my kids away, but I made sure I saw them as much as possible. I think they know that. God knows they have made me proud. I try to tell them that, and that I love them dearly. I'm not sure I do it enough though.  We live across the country from each other. And then COVID put a wrench into travel.  Nothing is easy.  Was it ever?

Think about where you come from. Turn off the computer and call them, your family. Tell them you love them. Tell them how much they have meant in your life. Don't wait to come across an old photo, or when the fourth stroke hits. or when your mother's short-term memory is shot.  By then, either it may be too late, or you'll have to keep repeating it.  Repeating that you love them is not a bad thing.

Don't forget where you come from. It isn't a country, a state, or a city. You come from people. Good people, I hope. But, good or bad they are your people. If you haven't spoken for a reason, take the high road and reach out. Never let what needs to be said go unspoken.  And, never let what needs to be said make you love them any less. 

I love you, mom, and I so do miss my dad.

“The things left unsaid to people we care about, and the void those unspoken words leave, often have more impact than what is said.”

-- Tyler Knight

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint. 

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with the United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world-renowned, Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteered as a chaplain at the regional medical center.

Feel free to contact Pastor Tony:  tolerantpastor@gmail.com