On Sunday, May 22, 2016, I lost one of the most important and influential people in my life—my father. And although I have and will always miss him, I was fortunate enough to have worked by his side in a family-owned business for 15 years. They were easily the most rewarding and memorable years of my life, in which he taught me many things, but showed me so much more.

It was during this time that we became extremely close; both my daughters were born; I bought my first home and experienced the loss of a grandparent, his father.

We also met a variety of interesting people along the way from many walks of life, which allowed me to witness his interactions with others in amazement, as there was never a time he didn’t treat everyone, no matter who they were, the very same way he himself would like to be treated.

He was truly inspiring and I could not have had a better role model.

So Dad, I thank you not only for all you taught me, but also for what I have become. I hope this makes you proud.

Like Father, Like Son

I have followed in your footsteps,
you have taught me many things,
shown me many more.

Like, what it was to be a caring son,
takes to be a devoted father,
means to be a loving grandfather.

I will never forget all you taught me,
always treasure what you have shown me.

In life, it is less important what you are,
than what you become.

If I can become, as caring a son,
devoted a father, loving a grandfather.

It will be your legacy I keep.

When a father gives to his son, both laugh; when a son gives to his father, both cry.” – William Shakespeare

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Richard Lawrence Belford

Richard Lawrence Belford is an inspirational writer, a father of two daughters and the eldest of three sons who grew up in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. He has been on a twenty-year creative journey that’s not only allowed him to become well published, but also afforded him the privilege of sharing his heartfelt sentiments with others that have in turn fuelled his genuine desire to provide faith, comfort and hope to those in grief. Richard is also the author of "It’s Not Goodbye, It’s See You Later” an inspirational book about life, love & loss whose parables cast a more encouraging and celebratory light not on a person's death, but on their life. A parable is a symbolic short story that illustrates or teaches some truth, religious principle or moral lesson. The book is available from The Centering Corporation & Grief Digest Magazine’s grief resource library and worldwide on Amazon in either a paperback or kindle edition. It can also be purchased at Barnes&Noble.com in the United States and Chapters.Indigo.ca in Canada. Richard invites you to follow him on Instagram and Twitter, like his Author’s Facebook Page or visit Facebook’s “It’s Not Goodbye, It’s See You Later Support Group” and join the increasing number of its members who believe this book will inspire you to always try ad say, “I’ll see you later, instead of goodbye!” *For further information please visit www.RichardLawrenceBelford.ca.

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