After a long drive, here I stand at the graveside.
Underneath this ground, my mother and father rest.
The origin of my life, now lie beneath dirt and grass.

The rains of yesterday, are now replaced with sunshine and a soft breeze.
I look down and reflect on my life and so many memories with Mom and Dad. 

From my earliest childhood, I learned what it means to be loved.
My parents gave me a precious gift, the gift of life.

The lessons now learned, the gift now fully received,
I stand in gratitude and remembrance.

My prayer is a prayer of thankfulness for the blessing Mom and Dad were to me.
For the sacrifices made, for the love shown time and again, for the encouragement and help along the way.

"Thank you" seems so inadequate.

And beyond just my parents, I think about this gift of life for what it really is,
A gift from God.

It seems our perspectives get askew from time to time. 
We lose sight of what an incredible gift we have been given.
We don't say "thank you" enough.
We don't appreciate what we have, while we have it.
We take for granted our days, and squander away our lives.

I suppose we might all do well to spend more moments
Standing at the graveside of someone we love.
Perhaps we will be more thankful for the days we have been given on this Earth.
Perhaps we will be more thankful for those who have been a blessing in our lives.
Perhaps...

"Life," if you really think about it, is truly amazing.

As I climb back into my car, I glance over at the grave, and wipe away a tear of sorrow and gratefulness.  

For the rest of my life, I pray I will make every day count.

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Copyright: Please do not republish any of these writings without first obtaining my permission. (You may contact me by clicking on the Contact Kevin link).  All of my writings are Copyright (c) 2006 Kevin Gourley. All rights reserved.   Any reference to them should also reference the web page address as well.