Unfortunately too many of us know all too well how it feels when these Holidays approach and you've lost one of both of your parents. Recently I personally became a member of this horrible club.

Mom & Grandma (Go ahead and laugh at our Groovy 70s attire)

My Mom was a great woman who would give you the shirt off her back and if she didn't have one she was resourceful enough to find one for ya. She loved the beach and took me out to California a LOT when I was younger and just about every summer in my teens. She lived in Mexico, California and a few other beach destinations throughout her life. I won't deny that she was a smoker, albeit she tried quitting many times. She had 1/3 of her lungs removed, underwent chemo, radiation, etc... However this awful disease kept coming back and eventually metastisizing into her lungs and brain. After a long battle, I was able to spend her last days in the hospital with her, holding her hand, reminiscing about the past and letting her know that it was OK to let go and let GOD. I asked her to keep holding my hand until someone on the other side held her other one and then I would know that she's ok... I held her hand until the very end when she looked at me, a tear fell from her eye and she let go of my hand.  September of 2015, she joined her parents and those who had passed before her in Heaven after fighting a good long battle with lung cancer. 

My Dad and I camping.

My Dad was a humble man who worked most of his life as a mechanic, arborist and horticulturist. He loved John Denver, old Country and Folk Music and had an overall love of the outdoors. I can remember him putting me on his shoulders and singing "Sunshine on my Shoulders" as far back as the 70s. He was a kind man who also helped others, often times when he had nothing to give but his knowledge or physical abilities. He taught me so MUCH about cars, horticulture and more. Unfortunately (It's Speculated) as a result of the pesticides he used in the 60s & 70s; in the late 90s he was diagnosed with LBD aka Lewy Body Dementia. This is a horrific disease that eats away at one's mind and body. The best way to describe it is imagine being trapped in your own body without being able to express your thoughts and needs verbally and eventually use your own bodyparts. A cruel horrible heartbreaking disease that took my dad to Heaven in September of 2017.

Albeit they divorced when I was younger and both remarried, I can't help but think that they are both getting along much better in Heaven and one day I will see them again. 

I write this blog in effort to let those who recently (or not so recently) lost a parent know that they are not alone and I'm always available to chat. I understand your pain and know that no matter how many may tiptoe around you on these Holidays or the endless "I'm Sorry for your loss" utterances, it's not enough. The pain remains and I'm told will one day get a little easier, but you never forget while each holiday gives you a little pain in your heart and a tear to your eye. Probably best expressed as follows:

Nonetheless, Know that you are not alone. To those who still have their parents on this planet, whether they are near or far, no matter what differences you may have;

CALL YOUR PARENTS! Make the effort to bridge the gap and cherish every moment you have left with them. You never know what life will bring nor how soon they may be called to heaven. Life is surely unpredictable, and once they're gone they're gone. Life is too short for regrets. Do whatever you need to in effort to spend as much time as possible with your parents, even if they are non verbal or halfway across the world. Be the one to reach out.

You'll never know the feeling nor even care; 

Until you see the symbolism of an Empty Chair.