Reflecting on the first half of the year
Journalling this morning and realised it was the last day of the first half of 2025.
Understandably, the first half of 2025 has been all consuming and overwhelming with the passing of my Dad.
While there’s a sense of grief and sadness that comes with losing a loved one that you would rather not experience again; there’s also been moments of overwhelming gratitude as well.
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That I grew up with a dedicated and loving Dad, to teach and guide me as long as he did.
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That dementia didn’t progress enough to take his memory of his loved ones before he passed.
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That he got to see me find the love of my life, settle down and be there for his grandkids too (something I never had as both my grandads passed before I was born).
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That while my kids have to experience the grief now, that they do so because they truly loved their Papa (to grieve is proof of love) and have the memories of better times to carry them forward.
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That he lived a full life, proof of which was shown via the turnout for his funeral and stories told since.
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That, as a family, we had the means to provide a fitting send off for him (funerals are bloody expensive).
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For moments like this morning, where I have the ability to reflect, journal and enjoy the weather while it’s still dry.
Coming up to the second half of the year, my goal is to simply live and provide for my family. There’s potential new ventures which are scary but also provide a new challenge to grow professionally.
However, as the world seems increasingly fragile; just having the ability and opportunity to live a peaceful life is a blessing in itself.
For Dad
On Friday, we said our farewell to my Dad.
While more for my personal reference in years to come, I’d like to share an excerpt of my words at the funeral.
…there are two things that bring me some comfort in this time.
First, in a world full of quotes trying to motivate people to truly live their lives; Dad was the personification of living life to its fullest.
He didn’t simply live a life, he created a lifetime; probably many lifetimes compared to some of us.
The second can be seen through the people here today and in the stories told so far and those yet to come; Dad made an impact.
Whether that impact was small or large, he definitely wasn’t someone you would forget.
For those of us left behind, he leaves a hole in our lives and hearts. While memories of Dad may bring more sadness than happiness at this moment, in time they will bring more smiles than tears.
I could never speak on behalf of my Dad, but I’m confident that bringing joy to the people he loved is what he would want his legacy to be.