TeamAlzheimers.org - WORDS MAY NOT TELL IT ALL

One Minute Devotion

As I read my devotion daily calendar, I try to keep in mind what this web-site is about and how we get through each day; some more difficult than others. I know the words I read help me so much and guide me along.

So many things that we do in life affect others. Some will tell us, some will not. I also know that I try to live my life and treat others as I would like to be treated.

I hope you enjoy this story…

My dad was a quiet man. As I grew up, I often wondered what he thought of me and if he even loved me. He never told me so.

About the time I was ready to leave home, my parents separated, and he went to live on a small acreage in King Hill, Idaho. He worked on irrigation projects, raised a little grain, and enjoyed fishing in the Snake River.

Writing was hard for him, and since he felt that long-distance calls were only for notifying relatives of a serious illness or a death in the family, our contact was limited.

One winter I was invited to speak at a conference in Salt Lake City. When it was over, I caught a flight to Twin Falls, rented a car, and drove to King Hill to see my dad. We spent a pleasant evening together talking about old times and family.

The next day, as I was preparing to leave, I discovered that I’d lost my handkerchief. Dad pointed to a suitcase under his bed and said, “There are some in there. Take one.” In the suitcase were gifts of shirts and ties and handkerchiefs from Christmases past he had never opened. At least a third of the case was filled with papers. While Dad was busy, I looked through them.

I discovered that for more than 30 years he had collected everything he saw that had my picture or name on it-church bulletins, newspaper articles, book reviews, and programs. I sat there with tears running down my cheeks. I cried because he did care. And I cried because it had taken so many years for me to know.

My dad has been gone for many years, but he has left me with a strong conviction that I pass along to you: If there are those you love, tell them. Now!

Kenneth Chafin