The best words my dad could have ever said.

“Calli, you are beginning on a great adventure. Have confidence in yourself as I have in you. Love Dad”

A few months before my fathers passing while in the midst of a move, I found a card he had wrote me. I don’t know when I received the card or why I received it.

I did know however that I would needs those words throughout my year.

So I took the card and stuck it on my vision board. The one I hang on my wall all year.

I also pull a card every year from my oracle deck that is my intention for the year. The card that came out was for forgiveness.

The day I found out my father was no longer here in his physical body, I was wrecked. I was a mess. I had no idea where or what I even was.

And then out of nowhere, I paused and looked at that vision board. For some reason something was telling me to stop and see it.

I looked at that card that said these words. The words I had no idea where they came from. But I knew I needed it on my vision board this year. I felt my dad immediately with me. Telling me to be strong and continue to survive like I had so many times prior.

I also glanced to the right of my board and found the forgiveness card. In that moment I knew exactly why I placed that card on the board.

My father was killed in a motorcycle accident. I could be angry at the person who hit him. I could feel so much hate. But instead, I mostly choose Grace. I won’t say it’s always easy. I won’t say I don’t struggle with it. But for the most part, most of the time I follow my intention for the year. For this person and for myself.

My fathers profound and loving words have carried me through the hardest parts of my grief journey. Today I want them to carry you through too. The oracle card has reminded me so many times to forgive. Others and especially myself.

Today I hope you read my fathers words and feel them deeply as I do every time I look at the tattoo on my arm. I hope you take a lesson from him and from my vision board. Have confidence in yourself as my father had in me. And forgive in all senses of the word.

I love you.

You are not alone.