I met "Marco" and his family today. Marco had been gifted with good health his entire life. Being ninety-eight years old, he had been living independently and alone until three weeks ago. It was then that the symptoms of his cancer started to flare up leaving him weak with no appetite. It looks as if Marco may have just a few days to live.
Marco has been widowed for ten years. He has six children who all, fortunately, live nearby. The moment I walked into the home, I felt their tremendous love. Multiple family members were present. All wanting to share their father's/grandfather's stories.
By his words and loving behavior, Marco gave his family unconditional love. It was so amazing. Marco's grandson, " James", who was in his early forties, started telling me all about his grandfather. While sharing these beautiful stories, he started to tear up. The tears started flowing so heavily that he turned and fell into my arms and just sobbed. I was so impressed that he was able to express his sadness. I also felt so honored that he felt safe with me to do so.
The family will continue to teach and share love with each other as Marco taught them all so well. They are all such a prime example of giving and receiving the amazing gift of pure, unconditional love.
HIS LEGACY
He's been the patriarch of the family.
Five generations in all.
Managing all of his needs alone
for close to ninety-nine years.
All of that has recently changed.
His disease has taken a toll.
Bedridden, no longer eating.
Not much time left at all.
His family is gathering around.
Sharing his stories so we will know
how he showered them with love.
Teaching them all about the goodness in life.
Many appropriate tears did flow
while telling us those tales.
They all embraced each other with love.
He impeccably taught them well.
His legacy will continue long after he is gone.
This family has learned, by his words and behavior,
to continue to teach the next generation
all about genuine,
unconditional,
Pure Love.
No comments:
Post a Comment