Week 397
Positive post Sunday, October 6, 2024…. Week 397. An open letter to the parents of a grateful son who is honored and proud to publicly express his love for them.
Dear Mom and Dad (Dana Rendler and Ken Rendler),
This is my 397th straight PPS and the most personal and emotional one I have written to date. As I sit down to write, my heart is filled with immense love and deep gratitude for everything you have done for me and our family. Words simply cannot express the joy and appreciation I feel looking back over my life journey or the sadness I feel as you navigate through the challenges during these later years of your lives. I pray for you often, asking the Lord to comfort you, and shine His light upon you as you have done for so many others.
As you well know, I’ve been blessed and honored to be the family member to speak at many of our family funerals. I’ve always felt that I would much rather express my appreciation and love directly to the loved one rather than recognize them with others when they are gone. So, with a few tissues by my side, I’m taking the opportunity to do so with both of you now.
From my earliest memories, and there are many, including faith-based education, sports, camping, snow skiing in Mammoth, paper route, visiting grandparents, and the list goes on, I’m reminded of how generous and giving you have been. Your unwavering faith, love of family and commitment to service are the foundation of my life and the origin of my Triangle of Life: Faith Family and Fitness.
As I wrote in last week’s PPS, you have instilled in me the value and importance of love, compassion, service, and forgiveness. These lessons, or attributes, along with the strong spiritual foundation you have provided me, have been the guiding light throughout my life. Please know that I will be forever grateful to you, and for you, and that I will continue your legacy by deepening my faith, loving and supporting our family and the generations to come and serving within our church and community just like you have throughout your lives.
I also want to take this moment to acknowledge and thank you for all the sacrifices you have made for us over the years (and there have been many), the wisdom you have shared, and the endless support you have given to me and my family. It’s often not until the later years in our lives that we truly understand and appreciate what our parents have done for us. Well, this 63-year-old father of 5 and grandfather of 12, has a clear understanding of, and appreciation for, all that both of you have done for me throughout my life. It’s been said that as we age our eyesight may get weaker, but our insights get sharper. I have certainly found this to be true with you, and I continue to learn form you every day. Your love has been a constant source of comfort and strength to us all, and we are truly blessed for each day we get to spend with you.
As you reflect back over your lives, I hope you do so with great pride and peace knowing that you both have raised a loving, caring and faith filled family. And, as you live your golden years, and navigate through the challenges you are facing, I want you both to know how proud I am to be your son and that I am here for you, just as you have always been there for me. It has been said that what a parent wants to hear most in the later years of their life is that their children are there. Please know that I, along with Michele and your grandchildren and great-grandchildren, are here for you. We are committed to ensuring that you live these years with dignity and pride, surrounded by love and care, just as you have loved and cared for your family and many of your friends.
Thank you for being incredible parents and amazing role models. I don’t say it enough, but please know that I love you more than words can express. Although I know I was a bit of a challenge in my early years, I have always found it easy to follow the 5th Commandment written in Exodus 20:12, “Honor your father and your mother, that you may have a long life in the land the LORD your God is giving you.” I am eternally grateful for the beautiful legacy you have created for our family. In Dad’s words, you continue to leave a legacy of Faith, Family and Career! Don’t worry about us, you raised us well, our faith and humility will carry us through whatever this world throws our way.
In John 3:16, it is written, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” My belief in this promise of eternal life is a testament to the faith you have instilled in me and our family, and it brings me great comfort knowing that we are all part of God’s eternal plan.
I pray that even with all the challenges and tough decisions ahead, you enjoy your later years, spending time with family reminiscing about the many memories we have all made together. Please know that when I’m at your house helping with a few chores, watching a sports game or that darn The Young and the Reckless😊, I am silently thanking our good Lord for the time I get to spend with you. I also pray that you find comfort knowing that all your family, 3 children, 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, love you very much.
One closing thought, please find comfort in knowing that all the time and effort you spent raising that smart mouthed young kid who talked incessantly and could not spell or write to save his life has grown up to be a faithful servant of our Lord with a passion for writing and glorifying Him through service to others. Papa (Dante) was right, don’t worry about him, he’ll be OK!
With my deepest love and appreciation.
Your eternally grateful son,
Daniel Joseph Rendler
For those whose parent(s) are still alive, how are you expressing your love and appreciation to them?
For those whose parents have returned home to our Lord, how are you carrying their legacy forward?
