February 5, 2014 / in General Information, Personal / by Mic Johnson
Post written by Mic Johnson, Blog Coach | LinkedIn Trainer | WordPress Web Site Guy | Rational Optimist | Jayhawk | Sushi Lover | Cancer Volunteer
NOTE: This article was first published on February 6th, 2013. I’ve made a few edits and plan to publish it every year at this time in honor of my Dad. Thank you.
Mic
With this blog, sometimes I never know what I’m going to write about until something inspires me. Sometimes it hits me weeks in advance. Sometimes it hits me the day I sit down to write. Sometimes I see something in life, on Facebook, on Twitter, or on LinkedIn that inspires me.
But I also use this space (and I thank all of you that take the time to read, share, and comment for indulging me) to share personal stories that have impacted me and my life.
That’s part of the culture at Blue Gurus. It’s who we are. What you see is what you get. We have no choice but to be ourselves. People that work with us know they are getting real human beings who wear their emotions and passions on their sleeves every single day. And we wouldn’t have it any other way. So I wanted to share a piece of me with each of you today…
The saying goes “When does a boy become a man?….When he loses his father.”
That was true for me on February 6, 1995 when my dad passed away. That was the day that cancer forever took away the innocence of life from me. That was the day that forever changed the lens through which I look at every decision in my life. That was the day when I learned what is truly important in life.
While I would do anything to get my dad back, I’m eternally grateful for the wisdom that came to me when I was just 23 years old. I think about my dad every single day and try to live my life as a tribute to his legacy.
This is the last line of the poem “Attitude” that I read at his funeral. I’ve referenced it countless times in my life and have shared it with countless people when they’ve gone through challenging times in their lives. It’s one small way I continue to share my dad with others and keep his legacy alive.
I hope you read this post and find some inspiration. I hope you take a minute to think about how blessed you are. I hope you take some time to reflect on the people that have come before you and the people that are still a part of your life today. Hug someone. Thank someone. Take someone to lunch. Write someone a note telling them how you feel. Whatever it is…make a difference in someone’s life every single day. We aren’t guaranteed tomorrow so we owe it to ourselves to make the most of today.
I dedicate this post to my Dad. I miss you more than words can say. And I love you so very much.
[NOTE: I don’t have many pictures, etc. from my dad because email, Facebook, digital cameras, etc. all weren’t around back then. The picture with my Dad is one of the only ones I have where we’re both adults. It was my freshman year at KU and it was a party I’ll never forget. Additionally, this rare letter that I have from him is a priceless item for me.]
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Mic,
What a wonderful contribution you are to this world!
My son just graduated from college, and I too sent him a note telling him I was his BIGGEST Fan.
I am sure that your Dad has been smiling down from heaven, and is so proud of the man that you have become!
Your post helped me to see a few things this morning :
I took a minute to think about how blessed I am.
I did take time to reflect on the people that have come before me and the people that are still a part of my life today.
I will hug someone. I will thank someone. I will take someone to lunch.
And I will write someone a note telling them how I feel.
I will strive to …make a difference in someone’s life every day, for nothing is guaranteed.
Thank you for the Heartfelt reminder!
Thanks so much MiMi! I really appreciate you sharing your thoughts.
Have a great day!
My patients have defined my life. They have allowed me to live each day like I am dying. I take risks, push the boundaries, and embrace those around me. No funeral for this girl, lets celebrate eachother while we are living. Lifeliver baby!
Thank you for reading and commenting, Carrie! As always, I appreciate it…and I agree with you!
Mic- I just left the hospital where my dad is critically ill. I looked at linked in and under ‘someone you might know’ was your name. I was drawn to it because I saw WordPress in your description and I have been beating my head against the wall with our company (start up) website. Then I noticed you and I know a lot of the same people. THEN I saw the title of your blog that says feb 6th – the day that changed my life. I told my husband that if this has anything to do with his dad I am going to reach out. My dad turned 72 on Tuesday and was life flighted to the hospital. Long story short on Feb 6 the basically told us he was going die and it was a horrible, exhausting day. Miraculously he made it through the night and now they are talking days/weeks in the hospital.
We should live every day to the fullest because you never know when your time will be up. Enjoy life, be kind, and live in the moment!!
Laurie: Wow. I’m humbled…and inspired. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog and comment. I’m glad you reached out….and I’m glad to hear that you are going to get some more precious time with your dad. Every. Minute. Counts. Thanks again for commenting. You made my day.
Mic,
You are the man your Dad knew you would be. You have both been blessed.
Hi Mic,
This post was really touching. You are lucky to have had such an amazing father who left a legacy of wisdom, encouragement and love for you to grow. I love the letter he wrote to you-so very special and so unique. Not many parents take the time to write such letters. I am sure he is super proud of you today.
Your friend,
Robyn
Thank you so much, Robyn! I really appreciate you taking the time to read it, comment and share it with your social networks. And thank you for your kind words about my dad. You’re right…that letter to me is very special. So thankful I have it. It’s nice to “hear his voice” once in awhile.
Mic, you have way surpassed Daddy’s hopes and dreams for you and are an amazing legacy to his life. He was always so proud of you and I have no doubt that looking down from Heaven and watching you daily, that he couldn’t be prouder now of the man that you’ve grown into. Although he’s not here with you physically, he’s always in your heart and has contributed to the man you’ve become. Love you as you know….Mom…:-)
Thanks Mom….I know you’re right and I’m comforted by those thoughts.
As I sit here writing a post for Hallmark about putting your heart to paper, I got distracted and clicked over to this post. The letter from your dad embodies exactly why words and sharing those words with those we love are so important.
Thinking of you today!
Thank you so much, Kristen. I appreciate it very much.
Wow. Beautifully written Mic. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks David. I appreciate it. See you next week!