Remembering on Father's Day, (and everyday)!

Dad, Opa, Professor, General, (Ret.)

Bernard H. Baum

It has been 9 years since my father died, yet it feels like yesterday. Every Father's Day, I remember this saying: "Death ends a life, not a relationship." How true!

We are blessed to know, love and be loved by such special people. We do not need forget or get over them, rather, we ought to remember and embrace all that we shared. After all, is not this the way to truly honor them and the relationship we share?

My Oma, (his mother, my grandmother), as a small child, once told me, in attempt to explain death, "The people you love and who love you, never really die because you carry them in your heart.  In fact, every time you speak kindly of them, share a memory or story about them, you spread their spirit to others and that is what keeps them alive in yours, and others, hearts."

There are so many stories, things he used to say, (we call them "Bernie or Opa isms"), and ways in which he is still with all he knew and loved. He said, "Anyone can be a "parent", but a "Dad" is built, one experience after another."

Today, I will celebrate my father and the wonderful relationship WE LEARNED to have by honoring and cherishing the good memories and make a point to share them with others. 

Tell that someone special in your life today that you love them!  Give them a big hug.  Remember someone special today that is gone.  I promise, you will both feel better for it.

He used to say, "I am blessed".  No Dad, we were all blessed.

Victoria

(Proud and loving daughter)

One Mother's Send Off

Congratulations! 

Today is your day. 

You're off to Great Places!

You're off and away! 

You have brains in your head.

You have feet in your shoes. 

You can steer yourself any direction you choose.

You're mountain is waiting. 

So.... go, get on your way.

~  Dr. Seuss - "Oh, the Places You'll Go!"

It has always been out there, off in the future, however, now is "really" the time.  

My only child is leaving my nest. It is time to go off to college,

continuing his personal journey to be the best he can be.

A time of wonderful, positive possibilities for him

and the truest test of Positive Adaptation for me.

I have always said I want to grow up and be just like him.

I still do.

I believe he is ready. 

But am I?

For all those who know me, hard to believe, but true,
I am left, (almost), speechless.

My Dear One:
Go forth, meet new people, have new life altering experiences. Share your special self with others and allow them to do the same with you.  Learn new things and above all, enjoy yourself!

Remember, as I watch from the bleachers, know that I am in awe of you.

Now go, spread your wings, with the absolute knowledge:
I love you, "To infinity and beyond"
Mom
xo