Father's Day - Finally.... Closure!

Just a few days ago, my family (all seven of us) went to Canada to finally lay to rest my father who was killed in a car accident on March 16th. His Memorial Service had been a long time coming as we waited for my mother to recover from her injuries. On Wednesday, June 16th, exactly three months following my dad's death, we gathered as a family in Mississauga, Canada, along with special friends from all over the world, to reflect upon and celebrate the life of Reginald M. Bailey. He was 78 years old and a wonderful person. The very last words I heard my dad say were, "Please give Danna and the kids a kiss and hug for me." Those words still resonate in my heart as I think about our final phone conversation we had the day before his death.

Final words are important and I am so thankful for words that bring life and inspire love. Such were the words that flowed between my father and me. I am glad that he called me on Monday, June 15th. I, nor he, knew that the next day would be his last day on earth. When I think about that it really reinforces how fragile life can be.

Today is Father's Day and I am thinking about my Dad. Dad, I love you and I thank you for investing in my life and helping to shape me into the person I am today.

Please know that even though you are no longer with us, you will never be forgotten.

Your son,

Jay