I asked my mom if I could share these exquisite thoughts she wrote about my father, her husband. She said, “Always, in love.” Here, then, is another picture of my dad through the eyes of my mom.
Love and gratitude,
Sara
I always loved your dad, from the very first day I met him. I feel very sad that he is no longer walking on this earth, but his spirit and the love I experienced from him and his family will forever live in my heart.
No one ever knows what happens between a husband and wife but the two people themselves, and words are not capable of fully describing that unique relationship. Your dad was a wonderful person and I will always be glad that I was privileged to be a part of his life and to share with him the making of two amazing daughters.
I know your heart is incredibly sad….
Early on he told me he wanted to do his very best with whatever he chose to do. He wanted to be the best husband, the best father, the best friend, the best artist, the best professor, the best person–and he certainly always tried to do that. I believe the effort he put into meeting his own expectations put a great strain on his heart and, even thought it tried valiantly to bear up under that strain, it finally just wore out from all the trying.
Your dad’s love will always be with you and in you. My love will always be with you and in you. God’s love will always be with you and in you. So, walk in love, my dear, sweet daughter, knowing that you are always surrounded by and filled with love–a love for which there is no end.
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.
But the greatest of these is love.
— 1 Corinthians 13:13
Love,
Mom
Nina Butts
says:Sara,
I am so sorry I have not been able to see you in person or come to give you a hug. Now you are gone to CA. Sara, working so hard and grieving at the same time. Sara, like a rainbow of emotion, from despair to lightness, all the time. Sara, please let your heart open to all of the people, young and old, far and near, who love you and are crying with you now as your father wings his way to life without a body.
NINA
Irene Konig
says:HI Sara, I never actually met you for more than a hello. I think it was at an AAIM event at a table. I am so sorry that you lost your dad. It is an irreplaceable loss. You must allow yourself a time to grieve. His spirit will always be part of you and around you.
I feel for you and your mother. I lost my husband at a fairly young age, and he left two daughters. He was the love of my life, just like with your mom. It has been a hard road, this widowhood road. Please send my condolences to your mother. Please feel free to have her email me or you as well. I have been down this road.
I also know now that there is joy once again in life, although it will never be the same. I hope your family and your friends will be there for you, to listen and to console. Grieving needs its place and space; later on healing will set in, over time. But things will never be as they once were. We have to look to the gifts we still have left, and hope that we can be a light to others in the future. I bet your dad would have liked that.
Carol
says:Going through the serious illnesses of both my parents, these words from your Mom are an incredible comfort. May love surround you during this time. Deepest condolences. Thank you.
aAron
says:Yes, indeed this is a beautiful set of words. Funny how just 26 letters and a handful of punctuation marks can make us feel and remember and be comforted by wisdom.
Thanks for sharing this. Your Mom is truly wise and strong.
andy
says:Anita is one stand-up gal; full of wisdom and intelligence. Like I said in that recent e-mail, someone God picked with care to raise a high-acheiver. Sara and I have been honored to be a part of some important ceremonies in your life and to have got to know Anita (and even meet David once). We don’t do much with social media at times like this; we prefer private communication and it has been sent to you.
Deepest sympathy and condolences to you and the family. Love, andy
Gary Michael
says:Sara, I am very sorry for the passing of your father. I have empathy because Ican see where my fathers passing was the culmination of events that made me “give up” and surrender to my addiction and homelessness.
Although you and I have not been close associates, our paths have crossed so often starting @ the Cactus (’87),planting of the tree on Town Lake (’93), and etc.I have watched you strive to help so many; it has given me inspiration. I know this must have been planted in you by your dad. My prayers and support are here for you ~ gary m