The past few weeks our family has called Wolseley home. Like most summers, we make our way to this lovely town so our older kids can enjoy a week of camp at Circle Square Ranch and younger at Vacation Bible School {hosted by New Life Church in Wolseley}. The kids love their time in Wolseley, the freedom the small town offers is a lovely break from city life.
As the kids have enjoyed their camps, hours of endless fun with their cousins I have spent time helping my mother with projects around her lovely lakeside home. Whilst quietly working away, whether it be in doors or out my mind travels back to last summer. Last summer we {my three siblings, myself and my father and mother} spent two weeks moving everything off of our family farm into a new home in town {many of you may remember articles I wrote following the move}.
This is where Carpe Diem comes into the picture. Let me explain.
During our move last summer, my father expressed a desire to celebrate his 72nd birthday, with a party. My siblings and I protested, choosing to focus on how busy we were, how tired we were and how much we still needed to accomplish. My father was determined to have this party and chose to ignore our resistance and complaining and began planning, inviting and preparing for the day. We were tired, we were cranky and frustrated with this ‘mid move party’ that seemingly didn’t make sense. We were sure to let him know about our frustration as well.
My father had recently worked his way back to health after a life threatening surgery in March. He shared with us how this birthday was important and he wanted his friends and family around as he celebrated life with those he cared about. Although we understood we still suggested he celebrate the following summer {this summer} instead. It just seemed smarted, everything would be moved, everything would have a home and life would be back to normal and we would all be in the ‘mood’ for a party. This wasn’t what my father wanted. It was a time for ‘Carpe Diem ~ he wanted to Seize the Day’. Having looked death in the face he understood that every day mattered and that tomorrow may not be an option…. You just never know.
Through tired eyes and bones, once again, Team Taylor rallied together to host a great 72nd Birthday Party. Friends and family gathered, food was shared, a few emotional speeches were given, laughter was definitely heard across the lake that their home sits on and my father’s once very sick heart was overflowing with joy. Just seeing him so happy and surrounded by those he loves and respects was worth every ache. My complaints and frustration quickly melted into compliments and gratitude for the lesson he had taught me that day.
Throughout his life, my father understood the concept of Carpe Diem and as he journeyed on, he came to understand the need to Seize the Day. I’m so grateful the he pushed, challenged and caused us to stretch. You see, had we waited, as we all wanted to, until this summer to celebrate and to host his party there would have been no party. My father passed away suddenly on October 7th 2010 and because he lived understanding the importance and need of Carpe Diem ~ Seizing the day we now have anther set of beautiful memories to draw on, to talk about and to laugh about.
Carpe Diem friends…. How will you Seize Today and live it on purpose? Today, I choose to sit by the pool with my two girls {my son is at camp} we are talking, laughing and totally engaging in each others lives. It is relaxed but for us right now so very right.
Susan
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