FUTURE BOSS

Procrastination is such a sad word. There are so many things which I wish I could have done with my father, but now it's too late. So many thoughts which I should have shared. So many things which I should have said. Like how much I loved him, how I was so proud of him, and how I was sorry for the times he was hurt.

I wish I had told him about my web businesses, such as my art, collectibles and gifts site Cherish Collectibles. I had been planning to, but I had been waiting for the right time. My dad didn't understand the internet, or the concept of online business. He was a self-made man, who did business the traditional brick-and-mortar way. He worked very hard all his life to support his parents, our family, and the family of his elder brother who died when his children were stil very young. Dad had to start working when he was only 17.

Every dollar Dad earned was through blood, sweat and tears. I think he would have been intrigued to know that I'm making good money from an online risk-free revenue system. He would have found it hard to believe that you could actually earn as much as US$6,000 a month by spending just two hours a day on the internet, risk-free and legally. And that there was an easy-to-use software program to help spot these money-making opportunities throughout the day, everyday. I don't think my dad even knew what software was.

Dad believed in getting a good education and finding a stable job. Unemployment never bothered him, because he was a resourceful man, and knew how to develop multiple sources of income. I guess I inherited that trait from him. He was proud to be able to earn his own money. He loathed the idea of borrowing from anyone, even the banks.

By the time Dad was in his twenties, he was his own boss, with several employees. He treated his staff well, and his sacrifices gave us all a good life. Years ago, when I was an employee with a petro-chemical corporation, I dreamed of being my own boss someday, in the hopefully not-too-distant future. I wanted my dad to be proud of me, and not worry anymore about whether I could support myself. My dad had inspired me to be a future boss.

I promised myself that when I made it eventually, I would help those who were financially burdened by sharing my revenue-generating secrets. And so I started teaching friends how to make money daily online recently, just a few days after my dad passed away shortly after Valentine's Day. I'm glad I did, because it's been a blessing to many.

Dad had a big heart, and he alawys liked to help people. I know that he would have approved. I only wish that I had launched this online revenue stream sooner, and told my dad about it while he was still alive. It would have made him so proud of me, and given him peace of mind. Well, he's happy in Heaven now, safe in the arms of Jesus. Hopefully, he knows.

A PRECIOUS LIFE


I can't believe he's really gone. Dad was cremated yesterday, and his ashes are now in an urn placed next to my middle brother's urn. I know that the two of them are enjoying eternity with Jesus in Heaven right now, but my heart still aches.

During the memorial services for my dad, my siblings spoke about my father's life and about the kind of person he was. As the youngest child in a family of eight, there were many things about my dad that I never knew. Dad was an astute, self-made businessman, but I never knew that he had also been artistic, with a penchant for drawing ships. My late brother inherited Dad's artistic flair, while my youngest brother was influenced by his love for the sea and so took up a career in shipping.

Dad was also musically-inclined, and loved to play a certain stringed folk instrument. That came to an end over 20 years ago, when he had a stroke. While all of my brother and sisters had music lessons, music did not sing in our souls as it did in him, as my youngest brother, David, proved during the last memorial service for my father. David's trumpet rendition of the Last Post, while poignant, reminded us all of why the family dogs always howled in protest during his practice sessions. There must have been occasions when Dad regretted giving him that trumpet. A rational father would not have placed such a lethal weapon in a young boy's hands, but Dad knew that David's heart had been set on that silver trumpet, so love won the day.

I love animals, and I probably got that from my father. Our family home had been like a mini-zoo, bustling with dogs, cats, parrots, canaries, pigeons, guinea pigs, rabbits and various kinds of fishes. Dad often brought stray dogs home for us to care for. When one of my beloved dogs died when I was very young, he promptly got a puppy to help heal my broken heart. The puppy threw up in his car on the way home, but Dad never complained. He just wanted me to be happy.

All the dogs and cats which I have acquired since my childhood have either been strays or rescued from the pound. I have never bought any fancy pets from pet shops, because my dad taught me to have compassion for unwanted animals, as he did. Dad was a shelter for many living creatures.

Dad was generous to a fault. I found out during one of the memorial services that, when my father's older brother died of a terminal illness, Dad quietly supported his children until they were old enough to look after themselves. Family was important to my father, but his heart had room for others as well. He often opened up his wallet to help those who were financially strapped, going through bad patches, or who were just starting out in business. A man of few words, his kindness touched many lives. As a testimony to this, people from all walks of life turned up for dad's viewing to wish him farewell.

I learned so much about my dad during these last few days. How I regret now that I never really got to know him when he was still alive. How I wish that I could have spent more time with him. If only I hadn't been so preoccupied with my own life. Dad had been very lonely, sad and sick for the last couple of years of his life, especially since my middle brother passed away. But he never complained, and he never asked for anything. He knew we had our own lives, and he wanted us to be happy, as always.

Dad, I didn't deserve you. I miss you. I'm glad you're safe in the arms of Jesus now.

All my love,

Carol

NEW BEGINNINGS

My dad passed away on February 16 this week, just two days after Valentine's Day. My family and I spent Valentine's Day in the intensive care unit of the hospital, watching my father struggle to live. It broke our hearts to see him that way.

Dad loved us all dearly, although he never once said it, so we wanted to be there for him during his last moments. By Wednesday afternoon, on February 15, it didn't seem possible that he would survive the night. Although he seemed barely conscious by then, I asked Jesus to keep him alive until my sister, who lived overseas, could see him one last time, and I asked my dad to wait for her.

Right after my sister touched down from Australia around 3 a.m. in the morning, we brought her to the hospital, only making a small detour to pick up my mum from her home. When we arrived at the ICU and walked up to my father's bed, his vital signs started to weaken. We had made it just in time.

Dad spent four more precious hours with us, as the entire family gathered together. There wasn't time to say all the things we wanted to say, and should have said when he was well and we had the opportunity. Mum was totally at a loss for words. She just sat by his bed, holding his hand. Whenever she grew tired and let go, I held his hand. During dad's long illness, he always looked for someone to hold his hand. Sometimes, when words fail, touch can speak volumes.

A doctor pronounced my dad's passing at 8.08 a.m. My beloved husband, Andrew, pointed out the significance of the time to me a while later. In the Bible, numbers have meaning, and Andrew reminded me that '8' signifies 'new beginnings'. In fact, my father's hospital room number was '8' as well. What comfort I drew from that revelation!

My father became a Christian only about 20 years ago. In John 3:16 in the Bible we are told :

"God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life"

New beginnings. My dear dad has moved on to his new life in Heaven with Jesus. He has a new body and he will never be sick or suffer any more. He can walk, run, eat whatever he likes, and do whatever he enjoys. Right now, he's probably having a great time with my brother who left this earthly life on Valentine's Day three years ago. One day, we'll all be reunited in Heaven.

Dad has a whole new life - eternal life - ahead of him to enjoy. I'm so happy for him. See you again, Dad! We love you!

Love,

Carol

TAKING BABY STEPS


Gosh! It's almost Valentine's Day! Wasn't it just New Year's Day not too long ago? It's raining outside, and I'm watching the rain trickle down the window pane, while my cat, Billy, does a spot of mountain-climbing on my chairback. Just 10 minutes ago, he knocked a pile of papers off my desk. I've been meaning to get around to clearing up my desk, but I can never seem to find the time.

My desk has been a mess for as long as I can remember. Every year, I tell myself that I should clear it up at the end of every project, or perhaps during a nice long holiday break. Talking about my desk, I really must remember to take down the Christmas wreath at the front door. It's been hanging there for three Christmasses now. Then there's the Christmas decorations in the hall ....

I try not to think about New Year resolutions because I don't have a great track record in keeping them. But I've been thinking about that saying that goes something like if you keep doing exactly the same thing you'll keep getting the same results. So I've decided to try taking baby steps. Even if I only do one new thing a month, that's something right? And if I only lose one pound a month, that will still be something to celebrate after 12 months, true?

Last month, for the first time ever, I submitted an article to several publishers for publication. I like to write, although I may not be the best writer in the world. I don't know how my article will fare, but I'm hopeful. At least I made a start. I used to work in public relations for a huge MNC, but corporate life isn't my calling. My dream is to make it on my own, in whatever I do.

When January was drawing to a close, I decided to do a tree-top walk. You know, the type where you slog for miles to get into the rainforest, dragging yourself up slopes and staircases, only to teeter across a narrow suspension bridge an eternity long over majestic trees which seem as tall as skyscrapers. Maybe I'm exaggerating, but I have a morbid fear of heights. That's why I made myself go for the tree-top walk. I was so terrified that I couldn't look down or enjoy the view around me. My legs were like jelly, so I'm surprised I managed to make it across the bridge. Well, I made a start. Next time, I'll try to look around while on the bridge. Hopefully.

This blog is my first blog ever, and this post is my very first. Up until about a year ago, I didn't know what a blog was. Somehow, I know this is going to be a good year. The past eight years have been filed with so much heartbreak. Perhaps I'll share some details in future posts (or postings?). I'm learning, and I'll move on, with God's help.

Be Blessed,

CarolCandy
www.CherishCollectibles.com
Art Collectibles by Edna Hibel