Showing Up

For all of the sweetness in my life right now, it is not without sorrows. I have a handful of friends struggling with some rough times: illnesses, miscarriages, suicides, loneliness, and career dissatisfaction. It breaks my heart to see and think of people I love in pain.

I have been thinking about my dad a lot, since it is Father’s Day and all. One of the most memorable lessons he has taught me is the value of simply showing up. I remember growing up he would attend a lot of funerals, even for people that he had never met before. I asked him why once and he told me how the act of just showing up meant so much to the loved ones left behind. That attitude carried over into other arenas, he never missed attending any of my piano recitals, soccer games, school plays, and even boring graduations or award events. I remember he used to tell me how proud he was of me, and as an eight year old who had accomplished nothing more than being an average kid, that phrase always puzzled me. But his presence at events and showing his interest in things I was interested in, meant so much to me over the years.

Sometimes I wonder: How many people I have hurt by RSVPing to a party yes, and then never showing up? Or by not saying anything to someone who’s had a death in the family, simply because I didn’t want to have an awkward conversation? And on the other hand, how many people’s day have I made by showing up to weddings or funerals or by writing a letter? It’s amazing to think of how many people can be affected by our actions. I am so thankful to have a father who values relationships in his life and hope that J and I can be a great example of that one day to my kids.

Photo above is of my family, I’m the cutie with the pigtails. :)