Holding Strong Through The Wind

He Shall Not Stop Until his Family is Absolute

His family reaching far beyond the boundaries of his backyard.  He will remain forever united with the fraternity of the Navy Hospital Corpsman; and since his retirement from the Navy his extended family also includes his neighbors. 

Yet, still missing were his three children; His son and two daughters who he had given up for adoption after losing his wife and their mother, and being called into service.

He serviced throughout the Pacific during World War II with strength, courage and honor; yet never stopped thinking, remembering and looking for his three children.  He knew he did not have the entitlement to look at these individuals as his; a decision he continued to battle with.

He inherited such a legacy from his father who led his life with the true conviction and belief that your success was reflected in the true character of your children. He was taught the importance of how to see yourself and how to see others.  He always taught that strength should be determined by yourself and not determined by strangers.  Seek guidance each and every day to have your eyes stay focused on what is important.

He knew his resilience would never match his fathers.  He admired his strength and how he stood up under never ending challenges and strain.  He knew, if his father were alive, he would have accepted the decision that his son had made years before; but his son has not allowed himself that acceptance.

His favorite times were to sit on a park bench watching families at the park.  He admired them; spanning generations all projecting such confidence and faith.  For he could only imagine his own children all playing in a park, surrounded by faith, strength, and love.  He could only hope that they were raised together.

Since returning from service he never stopped searching for the adoption records.  There are things that pass through families along the blood line that perhaps will not surface in children, or in grandchildren, but eventually they will surface.

Now, years passed with no success in locating his children.

Over time he stopped talking to others about his decision; his wounds refusing to heal. 

Just in case they did come looking, he returned and remained in his home town, in the house that they all resided at from the hospital. 

Every year he set aside his written thoughts and love to each one on their birthdays and special holidays.  His wish was only that he may get to enjoy special days with his children. 

His battle ten years ago with cancer was fought alone; never accepting any other outcome but success.  As determined and dedicated while servicing his Country, he must return to his search.  He would find his children, now indeed adults, and never stop asking for their forgiveness.

With the passing of each week, each month and each year, he waited with hope and strength.

Then, his phone rang with a young man introducing himself as his son.  All the strength that had been instilled in him by his father sustained him during that brief telephone conversation.  With no conditions he was blessed and honored this young man agreed to come to his home for a visit.

A week later he stood at the train station; pacing up and down.  Having to force himself to breathe each time a train pulled in. 

Still waiting after an hour doubts set in that perhaps this was not going to happen; and he knew he must accept this. 

When from the end of the corridor a tall young man in uniform came through the doors walking towards him.  No words were necessary; they embraced each other for a very long time, with the only audible words heard were please forgive me. 

That same day he was introduced to his two daughters and his grandchildren. 

He had found the strength to walk the unknown road his father had always encouraged him to take and found his earthly joys at its end.