Contemplating a Life Well Lived

I wrote this tribute the day I was hit with the devastating news of my father's passing, Thursday 11/2/2006. Looking back, writing has always been my response to life's greatest challenges and blessings. Today, is the 19th anniversary of his passing. Last year, I posted a story about him, but I didn't share this tribute. 

Contemplating A Life Well Lived, written November 2, 2006, Thursday

My father, Elza “Buddy” Cannaday, was born on August 20, 1922.  He lived for 84+ years and died on November 1, 2006. Correction…My father’s spirit was conceived sometime before August 20, 1922.  His body was born on August 20th.  His spirit and body sojourned together for 84+ years.  His spirit and body embraced life.  He took a meager beginning and drafted it into a life spectacular; a life of love of self, the love of his mother, finding the love of his life, love for his family and friends, love of God, and forgiveness for others.

When Daddy’s body contracted leukemia, it was strong and healthy.  Daddy practiced clean living.  Dad didn’t allow foul things to enter his body.  He lived farmer’s hours:  early to bed, early to rise, and in between do something wise.  Dad noticed and took time to enjoy the simple things in life:  fishing and looking for 4-leaf clovers in the grass with his grands (and me).  Dad enjoyed preparing special meals to eat while watching an afternoon movie classic, a Western, or just bugs and animals in the wild on TV.

Daddy didn’t watch soap operas, but he invented his own drama, by rallying-up the family over some issue he concocted.  Mom would say, “He’s so funny, he’d make a dog laugh.”  Have you ever seen a laughing dog?  It’s funny just to imagine. My father never settled for mediocre existence.  He redefined the age old adage, “If you’re going to do something, do it well,” into, “Don’t do something if you really don’t want to, and whatever you choose to do, execute the most efficient process, and don’t hurt anyone in the process.”  Dad also said,

“Give it away if they need it and can’t pay for it.”

“Do the best you can with what you’ve got even if that means developing both sides of your body to maximize your abilities.”

“Get into position for what you want to do.”

“Don’t wait for permission from others to live, otherwise; you’re going through the world backwards.”

“Help somebody whenever you can but always remember self-preservation.”

“Take care of your family.”

“Show me a man who puts his family first, and I’ll show you a life well lived [and blessed].”

“All babies are a blessing, take care of them.”