.342 | to Dad, from Josh

Our time together wasn't as long as either of us expected, but I am so grateful for the time we had. All of those times you were hard on me, all of the times you pushed me to be better, I remember resisting; not understanding why you wanted everything done with such precision. Now, I know, it was all in preparation for now. Now that you're gone, it all makes sense. You wanted me to be able to handle all the challenges that life could bring and has brought. I often have this instinct to pick up the phone to ask your advice and I stop before I hit the speed dial, realizing there won't be a voice on the other side. But then I sit, meditate on our moments, on your lessons, and I realize the answer is already there. You planted the answer inside of me a long time ago. I am grateful for all of those tough lessons; those lessons that I didn't understand in the moment, because now that you are gone I still feel you with me. I am grateful for that.

Life is full of devastating and joyful twists. It is often shorter than we want it to be, but every moment is a new moment to share love, kindness, and gratitude.