11 May 2015

My Father

My father embraced and lived by the following poem, often attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson. He was a role model to almost everyone who ever met him. He was deeply loved by his family and will be missed by us every single day.

Whether this poem was really written by Emerson or not is of no consequence. . . . My father was a success in every way possible.

To Have Succeeded

To laugh often and love much:
To win respect of intelligent people
And the affection of children;
To earn the approbation of honest critics
And endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty;
To find the best in others;
To give one's self;
To leave the world a little better,
Whether by a healthy child,
A garden patch,
Or redeemed social condition;
To have played and laughed with enthusiasm
And sung with exultation;
To know even one life has breathed easier
Because you have lived . . .
This is to have succeeded.

28 comments:

Tina 5/11/15, 6:19 AM  

What a fine tribute and wonderful way to look at life. I am very sorry for your loss. Thinking of you & your family. 💐

rhapsodyinbooks 5/11/15, 6:50 AM  

So sorry for your loss! Sending much sympathy!

Unknown 5/11/15, 7:36 AM  

Beautiful tribute. He met many of these goals in raising an intelligent child who saw these traits in him.

Debi 5/11/15, 7:38 AM  

He sounds like such an incredible man. My heart aches for you and your family, and I'm just more sorry than I can say.

JoAnn 5/11/15, 7:49 AM  

A beautiful tribute! I'm very sorry for your loss.

Melynda@Scratch Made Food! 5/11/15, 7:59 AM  

Your love for your father shines brightly this day, take care of you and yours in these days ahead.

Sarah (Sarah's Book Shelves) 5/11/15, 8:02 AM  

I'm so sorry for your loss. Great words to try to live by...

Anonymous,  5/11/15, 8:43 AM  

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Beth Hoffman 5/11/15, 9:14 AM  

The poem is lovely and a moving tribute. I'm so sorry you've had to say goodbye to your father.

Wrapping my arms around you during your time of loss and sorrow.

Katherine P 5/11/15, 9:20 AM  

What a lovely tribute. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Vicki 5/11/15, 9:23 AM  

Your father sounds like an amazing man. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Alex 5/11/15, 9:46 AM  

I'm so very sorry for your loss. Your dad sounds like a great man.

picky 5/11/15, 10:36 AM  

I'm so sorry to hear this. And I agree with the others...what a beautiful tribute.

Trish @ Love, Laughter, Insanity 5/11/15, 11:05 AM  

Beautiful. I'm sorry for your loss of a wonderful man. Hugs. xo

Anonymous,  5/11/15, 1:10 PM  

I'm so very sorry for your loss. Many prayers being sent your way during your time of grief.

Kay 5/11/15, 2:58 PM  

The sentiments in the poem are just lovely. What a nice way to honor your father. So sorry for your loss. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

Tif Sweeney 5/11/15, 3:17 PM  

I am so sorry for your loss. Hugs to you, and I will be keeping you in my thoughts.

Aarti 5/11/15, 3:53 PM  

I am so sorry for your loss. I am glad that you have so many positive memories to take with you in future.

Carole 5/11/15, 4:29 PM  

A lovely heartfelt tribute. Thinking of you today.

jama 5/11/15, 6:21 PM  

So sorry for your loss. Sending love and hugs to you and your family. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

fredamans 5/11/15, 7:28 PM  

My deepest condolences, prayers and love.

Kim (Sophisticated Dorkiness) 5/11/15, 9:59 PM  

I'm really sorry to hear about your dad. I've been away from social media for the last week or so, so I don't know many of the details, but from what you have shared it's clear he was loved and will be missed.

Belle Wong 5/12/15, 12:47 AM  

A beautiful tribute, Candace. I've been away from social media too, and I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Sending you my love and hugs.

Lisa 5/12/15, 8:31 PM  

So sorry for your loss. It is always too soon to lose someone so special.

Lisa 5/12/15, 8:31 PM  

So sorry for your loss. It is always too soon to lose someone so special.

Unknown 5/12/15, 11:23 PM  

I love the poem, a life well lived is what we should all aspire to. I'm sorry your dad has left this earth, you have lovely memories to hold onto.

Robin M 5/14/15, 10:11 PM  

Hugs, dear heart. Beautiful poem to commemorate your dad.

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