Sunrise Prayer
It’s hard to believe that my Dad’s been gone for a year. Time has flown, yet seems like eons since I’ve heard his hearty laughter and felt his big bear hugs. I don’t always feel him around me but when I do, it’s wonderful, even though some days, I still feel lost not being able to talk with him. In honor of my Dad, I thought I’d take you back to the day we lost him and share something special that happened; an answered prayer. When I think of it, I’m filled with joy and peace.
I’d been staying at my parents, once we brought my Dad home to hospice. My family was physically and emotionally exhausted and on the second night, the hospice nurse told us to get some rest. He was a gentle soul and when I watched him with my Dad, I felt at ease with his kind and loving actions. He talked as if all would be well in the morning and it was important for us to care for ourselves.
During the early morning hours we were gently alerted he had passed, and my sister and I responded in a foggy panic. We had to break the news to my Mom and brothers, as our grief was as deep as the ocean. In those moments it was hard to understand how any of us would ever heal.
Once he had been taken away to be prepared, it was time for me to go home. As I turned the corner and headed east, the sun was just appearing over the horizon as I pleaded with my Dad to give me a sign he was still with me. I arrived home, without waking my daughter, climbed into bed and cried myself to sleep. An hour or so later, I heard my phone chime; I had received a text.
The text read:
‘Sheryl, no matter what your faith is or is not, no matter where in the world you are, I want you to know that during this holiday season I’ll be with you. In the eyes of every child and the melody of every song. I’ll be the glimmer in the ice crystals, the rays in the sun and the stars at night. And with each smile you see, every hug you receive and every laugh you hear, I’ll be there, reaching out through another, with blessings and tidings to last you the year. Not because it’s Christmas, but because I love you, always have and always will. And these things are true every day of your life. XOXO The Universe’
You can imagine both my heartache and relief; I knew he had given me the sign I was praying for. It had been a friend that had no idea my Dad had passed. When I retuned the text, I explained we had lost him earlier that morning, she said she was being nudged to send me that message. I knew it was the sign he was near and was exactly what I needed in that moment. I had been given an incredible gift.
In this holiday season, give thanks for your blessings and look for the signs you’ve been waiting for. Our loved ones are with us in memory and spirit…..let them illuminate your soul with joy and happiness. I’m filled with so much gratitude in the amazing blessings and for a simple sunrise prayer. Let the miracles unfold around you and give thanks. Wishing you blessings of joy, hope and love this holiday season.
xoxox…..Sheryl
To my beautiful friend Karen, who has an incredible gift…thank you for sharing it with me.