A note from the past

I found a note from Dad yesterday. I was picking up books that Josh had flung from the bookshelf when I noticed a small piece of paper with writing on it. I picked it up and recognized Dad's handwriting. It said We all go before God. Yes, one receives salvation even on the death bed if one repents and calls on Jesus for redemption. The soul, the breathe of life returns to God." On the back of the note I noticed it waas written on a receipt. Although it was faded, the date was legible-October 29, 2003.

This paragraph was very typical of Dad's writings, religion and politics were his main themes, the two so often intertwined. Yet what was so poignant about this verse was two-fold. Firstly, it was written exactly two years and and a day before he died. Secondly, the latter part of the phrase was actually words Mom chose for his headstone. Mom chose those words randomnly, just based on her knowledge of Dad's beliefs. It was so odd. I love finding notes from the past, it is like hearing from those beyond the grave. Even though Dad often tells me things in my dreams, little notes have very big sentiment. As I near the anniversary of his death, I find myself thinking so often of Dad again, more than usual. As strange as it may sound, I found myself looking through a catalogue noting what good gifts certain items would have made for Dad. For the first time since he died I found myself upset that I would no longer be able to buy him gifts for his birthday in just over two weeks or for Christmas.