Parent's Best Legacy

We could read the same thing ten times even more...but...always something new will be gain. God's word is alive and as the morning went through, these verses were becoming real from Psalm 128.

1 How blessed is everyone who fears the LORD, who walks in His ways.

My father died in October 14 of 2005; the same day my eldest son's 23th birthday. In one hand, the sadness of the ending of my dad's birthdays; in the other, the happiness of seeing my first child celebrating one more year of life.

Today, I am prepared to write feelings that brings lesson's...which I want to share.

Love and death... are together in experiences I have lived. I never understood my mother's love for my father. Until the night I became a thief.

The bed in a room of Veteran's Hospital was becoming our daily bread. Where my dear father passed his lasts days. His last night...I became a thief...I stole a moment of love between them. I stared at them as she was fixing his blankets and combing his hair with her fingers. The side of his bed was her home now...with an indescribable patience and kindness...the love mentioned in 1 Corinthians 13. He wasn't able to talk in those days...but his eyes...where filled of every word of love and compassion...has been spoken. That moment was the deepest sermon of love I have ever listened. My spiritual ears were open...and I thank God. Though I never saw my dad again after that night; I got a legacy from them. Their fear for the Lord and by walking God's way...they were blessed from God with true love...as result blessed their daughter's.

2 When you shall eat of the fruit of your hands, You will be happy and it will be well with you.

My father wanted me to eat the fruit of my hands and I am trying to leave a legacy to my three kids. The legacy of eating the fruits of their hands. They are now living their twenties; living in a world where the technology wants to push nature to the side. This house on a hill is a hillbilly place for them now. But legacy is legacy...and we parent's will struggle until we know that our children are happy. Maturity is a transition...we all have experienced each life stage.

3 Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine within your house, Your children like olive plants Around your table.

My mother was a wonderful wife. she really has been a fruitful vine in my dad's house, we his daughter's, like olive plants with our own children joining around the table.Because that was another of my parent's legacy; eating at the same time was a must. Trust me this keeps family together. Even when the nest is empty...they will call or try any way to look out for us parents. Never is too late to do what has not been done.

Thanksgiving Day is a great time to reunion the family, or Christmas...perhaps, the second Sunday...whenever...Everybody has their own life and nobody could pretend to take away time or make other's agenda. But one day a year the least is better than nothing.

After my father died, my mom became ill. Cancer was discovered and she had various complications. I renewed my thief position and once again I stoled a moment from her. This time was with God. She was hospitalized and was very weak; medications and treatment were becoming worse than the health condition. A nurse was trying to pull out some blood...where her swollen arms were hiding every vein...mom...in pain...weak...moved her eyes in direction to the celling...trespassing it with her faith...Wow!!! how not steal that moment...her mouth was moving...speaking to God...to our Lord and Savior...the doctor by excellence! Like saying Psalm 51.

Thanksgiving of November 2009 was precious because after 5 months of agony...not knowing what was going to happen to mom's life...she was on her feet and still is praising with thanksgiving.

4 Behold, for thus shall the man be blessed who fears the LORD.

We loved our dad with fear; we respected him. He gained our respect by his dignity and loyalty to us; as family. When we become parents we do not get a booklet...but God will give wisdom and love to manage discipline and educate well. God is our Father, we owe him the same respect with fear and love. We are made from his image...we will be blessed as we fear the Lord.

5 The LORD bless you from Zion, And may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life.

This morning we received the news of a family member's death. She was practically left alone. It is very sad to see how children leave their parents in their last days on this world. Honor your father and your mother is one of the ten commandments.

For good or bad a parent has been; does not give a passport of mistreatment.

Death is on the back of our shoulder's. We do not know when will be the day to say farewell. Let's try our best to share with other's our blessings. "Time"...let's leave good legacies. Our children are watching our steps...what we do to our parents...perhaps will be the same treatment we will have from them.

6 Indeed, you may see your children's children. Peace be upon Israel!

I wish my father could see me happy in peace with a wonderful partner who shares his life with mine. A man that fears God, loves to work and that has seen children's of his children.

His wife and the father of my children are in heaven. We wish to leave our children a legacy over the many we got...the best..."The legacy of love."

Blessings to all!

© Maria Magdalena Ruiz O'Farrill