A tribute to my father - a gentle, kind and loving man

Spirit, intuition, gut feeling, sense....all words that define the guidance we receive on a daily basis. If we are willing to “listen” we will be guided with right action moment by moment.

 

Recently, I had one of the most profound experiences of my life that was enhanced by following my guidance. Fortunately, I listened to what I was meant to do to be fully present for this incredible experience.

 

Over the weekend I attended a book marketing conference I had anticipated being a part of for months. As an exhibitor I joined my colleagues, Christine Kloser and Lynne Klippel of Love Your Life Publishing, for a weekend of networking, connecting, fun and learning.

 

With every intention of staying until Monday, my plans quickly changed when I felt called to head to my parent’s home on Sunday.

 

Three weeks prior my father was diagnosed with terminal cancer. With a strong “feeling” that his time of transition was near, I booked a one way flight from San Diego to Sacramento. The flight was scheduled to leave only hours from when I got this incredibly strong sense to be with my father and mother.

 

From the moment I made this decision everything opened for me to get home to my mother and father’s side.

 

I am so very grateful I followed my heart, leaving when I did. Upon arriving at my father’s bedside in the early afternoon on Sunday, I knew I made the correct decision. There was absolutely no doubt in my mind of this truth.

 

On Monday morning my mother, sisters and I were at my father’s side as he transitioned from this life. His passing was gentle; surrounded with a deep sense of love.

 

Had I stayed at the conference as originally planned, ignoring the strong sense to leave a day early, I would have missed this most profound experience.

 

What an amazing confirmation we "intuitively know" what we are guided to do. When we honor this guidance we are blessed with the gifts life has to offer.

 

It is through following my intuition I was called to write my thoughts for others to read. I have known for many decades there is something beyond what we can see, feel, touch or taste. There is a dimension that goes far beyond the physical.

 

As I have reflected on all that has transpired in the last 48 hours, I am reminded of a recent conversation with a group of colleagues regarding how much personal information is appropriate to share with our business community.

 

Some believe it is inappropriate to share anything other than “business as usual” information; sharing nothing about our personal life.

 

Others believe it is very appropriate to share what we are “called” to share. This is the belief I hold.

 

With so much pain in the world, it is through our transparency and authenticity we heal while creating the space for others to experience their healing.

 

Imagine how lonely it is for those who keep their lives in well protected compartments; compartments that keep one in a space of separation rather than connectedness to others.

 

Is it because of separation so many experience fear, loneliness and confusion. Some hold strong beliefs that only what can be seen and controlled is what life is about; nothing less, nothing, nothing more. I let go of that belief many decades ago and am grateful I did.

 

There is a deep sense of freedom knowing there IS so much more than beyond what is visible to the naked eye. It is in this freedom we find the greatest sense of purpose and connectedness.

 

Ours is not to live a life of separation, but rather to be in connection to all that is. It is in this belief we are able to recognize how precious each day is; the only day we can be in resolve in all we do, say and feel.

 

Our greatest gift to this life is to recognize the power that resides in our ability to incorporate our purpose and message through what we are called to do professionally, personally and spiritually.

 

May your day be one of resolve with a deep understanding and level of gratitude in knowing there is no tomorrow and no yesterday. There is only this moment. May this moment be filled with a deep connection to your purpose.

 

Your comments are welcomed and encouraged.

 

 

Comments

[Nancy Juetten]

Dear Kathleen,

Thank you for sharing a personal, profound story.

You've built a community of followers and fans through your work. As one of them, I wish you peace as you cope with your loss.

I am so glad you listened to your intuition. It's never wrong to do that.

All the best,

Nancy

[Bobbye Middendorf]

Dear Kathleen,
Deepest love and light to you and all your family and loved ones now, as your father takes his place in the Light. It is challenging when we can no longer experience their love and presence on this plane. I, too, have been through this with my parents and acknowledge your tremendous connection and ability to listen and act on that inner knowing so you could partake in this most precious moment.

BTW, we met & had a wonderful breakfast discussion @ IBPA-U.

[Scott Tousignant - Fat Loss Quickie]

Kathleen, I truly appreciate your openness in sharing your thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

I'm not quite sure what to say in regards to your father transitioning from this life... I love how you put that. I typically would say that my sympathy goes out to you and your family and I'm sorry for your loss, but it sounds like you haven't lost your father and you know that he will always be with you.

It's been my experience that the best teachers are the ones that share their life experiences... good and bad.

I personally enjoy combining my business and life in my writing. After all, everything that I do in business is to enjoy my life and family to the fullest.

It's because of my openness that I have been able to form some amazing friendships with my blog readers and Fat Loss Quickie members.

I appreciate you Kathleen and look forward to getting to know you even better.

Scott Tousignant

PS How's your ankle healing?

[Les Brown]

As I shared with you earlier, our prayers are most definitely with you and with your family. As for answering your question about whether or not to share personal information in a business setting, I believe that the answer to this -- as to many other questions in life -- is "It all depends."

As vice president of a manufacturing company, and, even more so as a coach, I recognize the profound unity of all facets of the human being. I think it's destructive to compartmentalize life. I need to know what's going on for others, otherwise I'm powerless to offer meaningful assistance. Asking for help is all about self-revelation. You do us honor by asking for our love, our prayers and our support at a time like this.

At the same time, as a principle, there is such a thing as 'too much information.' Those who can ask for help appropriately know how to 'share in a general way.' Intimate details are for closest relationships.

Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your experience and this phase of your spiritual process. I think that, by doing so, you've opened yourself up to a level of transcendent healing that might otherwise not be available to you. I'm very proud of you, my friend.