Because I Love You

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, ...

My Manifesto as made aware to me 8/11/2020, taken from my journal. It seems like it was written for today.  Bud and Eleanor 1940's There is not an endless amount of time in our lives to live, do, play, create, and love. Mom told me after Dad passed, “when love enters your life, get as much of it as you can, because you never know how long they will be with you.” I knew she was talking about Dad, their love and marriage of 64.5 years, until his sudden passing in 2006.  Bud & Eleanor 1970's Bud & Eleanor 2000's Love enters our lives in the form of people first and foremost. Only people were made in God’s image. We can have love for pets and living creatures but it’s different and those too are finite. We can have love for our work, projects, activities, and careers but those too are different and limited. They can be satisfying, exciting, fun, and be rewarding for others and ourselves; however, we become confused, led astray when we put “love of pets” and “love of wor...