Bittersweet
Estranged
I’ve been estranged from my parents for close to 20 years, but yesterday I learned my father passed away. I sincerely hope he found joy in his advanced years – more importantly, peace. For those who mourn his passing, focus on the memories and the joy he brought to your life.
I’m indifferent to his death. I do have one memory that has stayed with me forever. I remember the two of us sitting in the family room (I was 10 years old), and he shared a pomegranate with me. Together we watched television and talked. It was nice. I wish every day could have been that golden. There was much inconsistency. I loathed his temperament, but admired his work ethic.
You can't pick your parents, but that doesn't mean you have to have a relationship with them. Sometimes it's necessary for adult children to separate themselves from their parents. It’s not an easy choice. To this day, to this moment, I stand by my decision.
When we are judging everything, we are learning nothing. Free yourself from the rules of old judgments, and create the space for new understanding.
For those who might be inclined to say, "Sorry for your loss" – that’s nice. Don’t feel sorry for me, but be happy I found myself before it was too late. – paerki
Death Is Inevitable
Death is inevitable. The moment we are born we begin to die. It’s imperative we live life to the fullest, and the way to do this is with a genuine heart, a strong mind and a will to survive.
We spend so much time hating. Statistics show heart disease to be the number one killer, and I disagree! I believe having a closed heart, that’s too tightened with hate is what’s really destroying humanity, and I think it’s time we seek a "real" cure – together. The enemy is out there, but it’s not what you may think. It’s the person who plays on our fears, and manipulates our minds. Sadly, so many are vulnerable, but we can change this when we advocate for each other, showing love and empathy. Forgiveness must be a factor too because we have more in common than you think.
Death must inspire us to live, especially to live a life guided by gratitude, selflessness, quality and, more importantly, hope. Here’s to better living through love, and allow it to begin today with a hand extended. – paerki
Life & Death
I took a stroll through my neighborhood and captured the following photographs. My mind was devoid of subject or purpose. I walked and snapped, and this is the result. Once I got home and looked at the photos, a theme emerged: Life & Death.
Life is what you make it. I believe all have a purpose, and finding it is the key to happiness. I think there are many who are finding their true calling without any hesitation. Others have a more challenging time. There are those who will never know. So, no matter where you are on your journey, know this: we can all be happy in this life if we learn to coexist, which means believing in and helping our fellow man. We must search for unification, and from there build a world of peace... To not only makes death a more imminent possibility through stress and war.
Death, I believe, is the end of life. There are many who fathom an afterlife. I say anything is possible, and I am hopeful of the latter, but it’s our job to concentrate on the here and now. Too many are so caught up in afterlife scenarios that they are performing poorly in this life. I think we can all do better, and must. No one should die in vain. For each life lost, there is a story left behind to learn and grow by. – paerki
("Life is a succession of lessons, which must be lived to be understood." – Helen Keller)
I’ve been estranged from my parents for close to 20 years, but yesterday I learned my father passed away. I sincerely hope he found joy in his advanced years – more importantly, peace. For those who mourn his passing, focus on the memories and the joy he brought to your life.
I’m indifferent to his death. I do have one memory that has stayed with me forever. I remember the two of us sitting in the family room (I was 10 years old), and he shared a pomegranate with me. Together we watched television and talked. It was nice. I wish every day could have been that golden. There was much inconsistency. I loathed his temperament, but admired his work ethic.
You can't pick your parents, but that doesn't mean you have to have a relationship with them. Sometimes it's necessary for adult children to separate themselves from their parents. It’s not an easy choice. To this day, to this moment, I stand by my decision.
When we are judging everything, we are learning nothing. Free yourself from the rules of old judgments, and create the space for new understanding.
For those who might be inclined to say, "Sorry for your loss" – that’s nice. Don’t feel sorry for me, but be happy I found myself before it was too late. – paerki
Death Is Inevitable
Death is inevitable. The moment we are born we begin to die. It’s imperative we live life to the fullest, and the way to do this is with a genuine heart, a strong mind and a will to survive.
We spend so much time hating. Statistics show heart disease to be the number one killer, and I disagree! I believe having a closed heart, that’s too tightened with hate is what’s really destroying humanity, and I think it’s time we seek a "real" cure – together. The enemy is out there, but it’s not what you may think. It’s the person who plays on our fears, and manipulates our minds. Sadly, so many are vulnerable, but we can change this when we advocate for each other, showing love and empathy. Forgiveness must be a factor too because we have more in common than you think.
Death must inspire us to live, especially to live a life guided by gratitude, selflessness, quality and, more importantly, hope. Here’s to better living through love, and allow it to begin today with a hand extended. – paerki
Life & Death
I took a stroll through my neighborhood and captured the following photographs. My mind was devoid of subject or purpose. I walked and snapped, and this is the result. Once I got home and looked at the photos, a theme emerged: Life & Death.
Life is what you make it. I believe all have a purpose, and finding it is the key to happiness. I think there are many who are finding their true calling without any hesitation. Others have a more challenging time. There are those who will never know. So, no matter where you are on your journey, know this: we can all be happy in this life if we learn to coexist, which means believing in and helping our fellow man. We must search for unification, and from there build a world of peace... To not only makes death a more imminent possibility through stress and war.
Death, I believe, is the end of life. There are many who fathom an afterlife. I say anything is possible, and I am hopeful of the latter, but it’s our job to concentrate on the here and now. Too many are so caught up in afterlife scenarios that they are performing poorly in this life. I think we can all do better, and must. No one should die in vain. For each life lost, there is a story left behind to learn and grow by. – paerki
("Life is a succession of lessons, which must be lived to be understood." – Helen Keller)
