I recall a relative once telling me, "you know your Dad loves you, because you are here and he has taken care of you".  These are true words, but this wasn't enough for this kid.  Due to a situation in my life, at a young age, I sought out my Father's Love.  I was looking for this affirmation in a physical and verbal way.  Unfortuantley this never came and I sought out my Fathers attention in other ways and  O BOY did I know how to get my Dad's attention.  Its a great thing he didn't know how to climb trees.  Many years past and after I became a Catholic Christian I started to explore how to heal this relationship with my Father.  Things came to a head after I attended the funeral of a friends Father.  My friend was dismayed that she didn't have the opportunity to heal her relationship with her Father.  Well, I decided that this wasn't going to happen to me.  After this funeral, I decided to visit my Dad.  When I stepped into his kitchen, he asked what brought me around during the week.  I sat down by the door, so he couldn't escape, and told him that I was just at a funeral and how dismayed this girl was that she didn't have the opportunity to heal her relationship with her Father.  I said to my Dad, "before I leave here, I want to give you a hug and to also tell you that I love you" but first, lets talk about your childhood.  After my Dad shared his details, there was a long pause and he finally said, "so, you're not leaving until you get a hug"?.  I said, "nope".  "Big Jack" came over and gave this little kid (of 30 years) a hug and we exchanged the words, "I love you".  

If you need this type of affirmation from your Father, reach out to him.  If your Father has passed on, reach out to your children, spouse, family.

I want to thank family and friends for their support during this part of my Dad's journey.  Some have said that they didn't want to see my Dad in the hospital because they felt he was suffering.  Well, we are all suffering to some extent, but it is key to be there for each other, as our family has been, with Love, Compassion and Sacrifice.

(........love one another as I have loved you - Jesus)