The Conversation: Daddy's Girl Part 1

 So many things have changed in the past few weeks.  Life has opened so many wonderful doors not only for me but more importantly for the ones that I love the most.  One of the people most affected by the positive transitions taking place is my wonderful Daddy, Valentino R. Anthony.  In the next few weeks he will be starting a new chapter in life and I could not be more excited for him.

As with many changes comes the need to purge.  Releasing the old in preparation to receive the new can be a very challenging but rewarding process.  I have had the privilege of witnessing my Daddy work towards and prepare for his next chapter first-hand not only for the last few weeks but throughout my entire life.  I have witnessed him overcome hurdles and obstacles, I have seen him literally start from scratch with nothing and grow to the point where he is leaving me in a place to build from. 

Over the past few years I have been encouraging my Daddy to sit down with me and make arrangements for his end of life care funeral and burial.  Each time I brought the subject up he politely entertained me long enough for me to stop “nagging” him with all of my questions.  To my surprise over a cup of hot tea yesterday morning I finally got my way.

Daddy: Joe’l, I want to sit down and talk to you about that thing that you have wanted me to work on.

Joe’l: What thing?

Daddy: That thing for my arrangements.

Joe’l: Oh ok :)

Daddy: These are some very important pieces of paper.  Please put them where you can find them if you need them.

The conversation with my Daddy ignited a combination of emotions that are indescribable.  My heart filled with joy knowing that he is taking steps towards being prepared for the inevitable but simultaneously broke realizing that by having THE CONVERSATION , I am accepting his mortality.  By sitting down and planning out a funeral with him I am admitting to myself that one day I will have to let him go.  By placing his vital documents away for safe keeping I am accepting that all the time that we have and will share will one day only be a memory.  This is tough !!!

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