Love you more.....

Love you more............... three very simple words that mean so much to me.  These are words that my daddy said to me daily.  I would always say "I love you daddy" and he would say "love you more."  Early on we would just do the "love you more wars" and we would go back and forth.  I love you more... no I love you more..... etc.  I would usually let him win the battle because sometimes he would say but I loved you first.  I would then say okay you win.

My dad's last words, "love you more..... mom" as my mother describe in the early hours of March 23rd 2013.  What wonderful last words to leave your loved ones.  One thing is for sure, I had no doubts how much my dad loved and sacrificed for me.  Another thing I know for sure, I know that man knew I loved him with all my heart.  I would have gone to the ends of the earth for him.  Every kiss, every story, every I love you and every I love you more told that story.

So today I remember that special bond and those three simple words.  I got a tattoo on my left shoulder and it simply says "love you more."  My dad always wrinkled his forehead when I mentioned a tattoo.  He got a few when he was in the military and he would say "it will be there forever, think long and hard about it." 

These words were the last words he spoke, the last words spoken at his funeral and the words on his tombstone where his body rests.  What I know for sure is that his spirit continues.....  I know that this tattoo is forever.  When he takes my hand at the time I join him, he will be proud of that tattoo and what it represents. 

Also on my journey today, I picked up a stone that said "AWARENESS."  I am certain that as we become more aware of the things around us we can find those special moments/signs in places we least expect. 

Places like sunflowers growing through cement, quarters in unexpected places, dreams that wake us, songs on the radio and when we look to God.  We see beautiful clouds, nature and signs of spirit everywhere.

A wall sign that I saw today said "The best way to have a piece of heaven in your home, is to have someone you love in heaven." 

My challenge for you today is to practice awareness.  You will be amazed at what you find when you seek it out.  I will keep a hold of my piece of heaven forever and always.  Those three simple words will carry me through. LOVE YOU MORE.  (I win this time).