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200 words, Dad, Diana Schwenk, Diana's Enormous Book of Quotes, family, Gratitude, growing up, happy, health, life, love, parents, perspective, Relationships, Thanksgiving
Never let things you want, make you forget the things you have.
In the summer of 2015, Dad called and insisted that I visit that September. Looking back, I am grateful he did so, as unknown to any of us, Dad would pass away two months later.
When I reflect on what I am grateful for, Dad is at the top of the list. I know how fortunate I am to have had a father who loved me, and kept me safe, who was in my life for 52 years.
Dad also was a grateful man. During that 2015 visit, from the couch he practically lived on due to the back pain he’d suffered, he looked at me and said, “You know, Diana…I cannot really complain about anything, I’ve had a great life.”
“A great life, Dad? You grew up in war-torn Berlin. Your windows imploded when bombs were dropped. You were hungry much of the time!”
I don’t remember his answer verbatim, but it was something like, “yes, but we looked out for each other on our street, we shared everything. I was loved.”
~ DIANA’S ENORMOUS BOOK OF QUOTES ~
This Thanksgiving, don’t forget what you have…
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Madelyn Griffith-Haynie, MCC, SCAC said:
Beautiful. I will be linking to my humorous Thanksgiving post this year to provide a bit of heartfelt gratitude. Watch for a ping – and Happy Thanksgiving.
xx,
mgh
(Madelyn Griffith-Haynie – ADDandSoMuchMORE dot com)
ADD/EFD Coach Training Field founder; ADD Coaching co-founder
“It takes a village to transform a world!
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dianasschwenk said:
Thank you Madelyn, for your kind words and encouragement – you made my day! ❤
Diana xo
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Jennifer Kelland Perry said:
No matter what, there is always something to be thankful for. ❤️
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dianasschwenk said:
Yes, agreed! Thanks Jennifer! ♡
Diana xo
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bodhisattvaintraining said:
oh what a lovely response he gave you x
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dianasschwenk said:
Yes, thank you so much! ♡
Diana xo
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cyclingrandma said:
Lovely tribute to what sounds like a wonderful man. Happy Thanksgiving!
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dianasschwenk said:
Thank you, Lisa, he was a man of few words, but when he said something, I paid attention – I miss him. ♡
DIANA XO
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utesmile said:
Diana, this brings tears to my eyes. Yesterday was/would have been my dad’s Birthday, and I will never forget, that when -close to the end- I told him again that I loved him, he squeezed my hand…. he understood….. Oh, I love him and miss him as you do yours. I understand!
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dianasschwenk said:
*hugs* for you Ute! ♡
Diana xo
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arlene said:
Memories of a good man. It made me remember Dad too.
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dianasschwenk said:
Thank you, Arlene. You post your Dad too? ♡
DIANA XO
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arlene said:
I did lots of times during his birthday and death anniversary.
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joannerambling said:
We all need to be thankful for such things
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dianasschwenk said:
Yes. We do Jo-Anne. ♡
Diana xo
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Chatter Master said:
A lesson for us all.
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dianasschwenk said:
Agreed, Colleen – thank you! ♡
Diana xo
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vanbytheriver said:
He understood “that which matters”. Lovely, D.
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dianasschwenk said:
Yes. Thanks, Van! ♡
Diana xo
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