Father's Love

Today, I had this urge to really reflect on the impact my dad has had in my life.

He's not one to chat away, but when he does speak up, you know he means every single word. He's never been the type to say those three little words, "I love you," out loud, but somehow, deep down, I've always known it to be true.

Ever since I moved to the US way back in 2003, I've made it a point to visit my parents every year. I can vividly remember walking into the room and finding my dad engrossed in watching European football. Without hesitation, I would plop down next to him on the sofa and naturally get caught up in the excitement, cheering right alongside him. Those moments created such a special bond between us that I'll forever hold close to my heart.

Let me tell you, my dad has a thing for bread. To him, a meal just isn't complete without a hearty loaf of bread. He'd always say, "You can't call it a meal if there's no bread." And you know what? To this day, I still find so much joy in indulging in a delicious slice of dark rye bread.

Oh, and hot tea! I mean, who can resist a soothing cup of hot tea? It's practically a staple for any European. So, I've made it a part of my daily routine too. Every afternoon, you'll find me sipping on a comforting cup of gratitude green tea, just like my dad. And nowadays I host one a month for everyone to join me. Check out the Events Page for the upcoming Tea with Me.

There's so much more I could share, but these are some of the standout memories that flooded my mind this morning.

Nowadays, I make it a point to call my parents every Sunday. It's become a little tradition. My mom starts the conversation, and then my dad joins in with his cup of tea. He quietly sits there next to my mom, savoring his tea, and in that peaceful presence, I can't help but feel an overwhelming sense of love.

There are two key things I want to share with you through this message:

Firstly, my dad may have never verbalized his love for me, but as I've grown older, I've come to understand the concept of love languages. You see, mine is words of affirmation, while my dad's is quality time. So today, when I'm in his presence, surrounded by his calmness, I feel an abundance of love. The most valuable lesson my dad has taught me is how to express love through simply being there.

Secondly, whenever we find ourselves questioning the actions or decisions our parents made, let's always remember one thing: love. Our parents, just like us, did the best they could with the knowledge and understanding they had at the time. It's always love.

Well, that's all for now. I just wanted to share these heartfelt thoughts with you. Remember to cherish your loved ones and appreciate the unique ways they express their love.

Take care,
Nadya