GINA MORTIMER STORR

As I shared in my post of March 10th where I paid tribute to a friend, when I lost my father to a traffic fatality five years ago today, I was always searching for something, anything, to help me get through another day. Into about the third year, surprisingly, that something came in the form a simple quote supposedly found on a headstone in Ireland:

“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory, no one can steal”

When I came across this quote, it was as if it had been written for me as it confirmed my feeling that the heartache I was feeling, would never heal and that it was alright to feel that way. More importantly, it reminded me that the many cherished memories I had of my father, could never be taken away. From that moment on, I have been able to live with the heartache because the memories are like a balm that soothes.

So, although I frequently can still hear the calm voice of my daughter on the other end of my cell phone as she gave me the news around 9:00pm on April 16, 2005, my memories have replaced my pain, anger and tears and, I celebrate Daddy’s life in all that I do.

• His enthusiasm has helped curb my cynicism in a world that is sometimes far to harsh.

• His loyalty has fostered in me a fierce sense of committment to and protection of those whom I count as friends and family.

• His sense of peace still calms me when I find myself getting  worked up over anything.

• His personality reminds me always that no situation warrants ugliness, ever!

• His gentleness, despite his stature, keeps me in line when I find myself wanting to lash out. (OK so if you’ve seen me angry you know I don’t always succeed but I have come a long way……)

• His kindness has translated to my own desire to share my blessings.

• His love of God assures me that we will meet again!

Don’t get me wrong, I am no saint and far from perfect (no noise from the peanut gallery please ) but having been nurtured, loved and taught by my father, Lester James Mortimer Sr, has given me a great foundation and as I continue on my own journey, I know that he continues to intervene when I need him the most!   (Just ask the guy on the other end of the phone when I found an  “error – in their favor – on one of my bank accounts.  Thank goodness that my vision of Daddy’s cool demeanor suppressed the ugly I felt rising up in me…….)

You can learn more about daddy at www.lestermortimer.com and leave a tribute of your own if you wish.

Daddy, you are missed and memories of you are cherished.  R.I.P, until we meet again.

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