Bloganuary Daily Prompt

What Could You Do Differently?  is today’s Bloganuary daily prompt. Wow! There are many options to choose to address this one. For this January, like many others, I have been enjoying Blogging differently and letting myself go where the prompts take me. At first, this prompt led me to consider writing about strengths and weaknesses. Then that led me to remembering my dad and I began to think about how giving time, effort, and love in relationships gets different results and different measures of success.

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I keep the volume on my personal cell fairly loud when I’m at work because I don’t want to miss a call from home. I was at the bedside of a patient who was actively dying when one of my brother’s called, I silenced it and went on with the visit. A few minutes later he called again. Again, I silenced my phone and went on with the visit. Not long after, another of my brothers called. Did I answer? No. Silenced it again.

Only when I was walking out the door, did the other brother call again and I answered and learned my father had died and they were holding him in the emergency room if I wanted to see him. Since then I have reviewed that night and the last moments I have shared with my dad. I dreaded the day. I knew the day would come. I am surprised I have not fallen apart.

What could I have done different? I could have answered the first call. Could I have saved him? No. I could have answered the second call. I could have been there sooner with my mother and brothers. I could keep my phone on silent and maybe not have even found out he died until the next day. Why do I keep my phone turned up if I’m not going to answer it? I don’t know.

What I do know is that I miss my dad. I feel more acutely that I am part of his legacy and want to honor him by continuing to do my best going “into the unknown!” looking for opportunities to spread love and kindness. It realize that I often fail at this when I only think about myself. What could I do differently? Be more selfless. As I got older, I began to see my dad as the giving tree in Shel Silverstein’s book. I heard so many times that he was tired. Even when he was like a tree stump, he still offered a place for us to sit and rest with him.

I know he loved me despite my numerous imperfections just as I cherished him, flaws and all. My sisters and I find solace in his chair, as it reminds us of a warm hug from him. He is not here, but his spirit lingers. He taught me the value of generosity. Missed opportunities are always there to ponder what could be done differently. Being more selfless is a way I can honor my father’s legacy. I feel an important part of being successful in life is our ability to be empathetic and loving. Even in grief I can find comfort in the past and aim to support others.

Give (and get) different, meaningful outcomes

We can all give (and get) different, meaningful outcomes when we shift our focus away from ourselves. Who makes up your A-team? How can you show them your support and encouragement? Listen to their dreams? Give them counsel? Give them perspective? Share a talent? Appreciate their talents and strengths?

Oh the possibilities to do differently are endless in all the many ways, big and small, that we share our lives with others.

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