Happy 21st Birthday Claudia!!!
21st birthday, that's a big one! I always see Claudia as she was at six years old, but do imagine what she would look like as she gets older - now at 21, and I'm pretty sure I would be fighting off the guys! I am going to stay with 6 year old Claudia, as that is how I see her when thinking of her, and looking at her photo's. She is so beautiful.
I have wondered over the years for how long I would post on Claudia's CaringBridge site, and it looks like 15 years later, I still am.
These CaringBridge posts in hind sight, have helped me deal with, accept, and keep Claudia alive in my life. I read through many of the past posts this morning, and found it very comforting and grounding - and reinforcing to me of what is important in life. In the world we live in today, I often have to tell myself that "this too, shall pass", so as not to go crazy. On the other hand, the loss of a child will never pass, and I do not want it to - she was and is so important to me. I am grateful that these posts have documented my bereavement journey as I will always be able to retrace my steps by reading them.
My father passed away one week ago, and it has flooded my mind with memories of him, and of Claudia. I imagine her being there to greet Dad when he arrived at the pearly gates, and they are hanging out today. Going through these thoughts and feelings always brings me back to the same place - that it is most important to remember that they are in a better place, a wonderful place, and they only want us, the living, to be happy.
I hope everyone reading this is doing ok in the somewhat tumultuous world we live in today, and staying grounded. If I have learned anything on this journey, it is that the most important things in life are the love and friendships of family and friends. So please do not let the little things - that will pass - get between you and that love and those friendships.
Happy Birthday Claudia!!!
Love Dad
PS. Attached are four of my favorite photos of Claudia, enjoy!
