There is a sacredness in tears...

I have been having an amazing rekindling of my relationship with my Dad since I moved back home. My Dad and I are so much alike that it's often difficult for us to talk, but since coming home, I have made a concentrated effort to get to know my Dad as a person and as a man. I lived with him briefly upon my return and that was somewhat difficult, but we have found new balance with each other since I moved into my own place a few months ago. It's taken me some time to get my home in order, but it's nice and cozy now and I've been having company over on a regular basis. This includes weekly dinners with my Dad.

Tonight I made honey glazed salmon with au gratin rice and sauteed zucchini and squash. Following dinner, we sat and enjoyed our wine and had a great conversation about family and how he got started with the mariachis. This was a follow up to our first dinner in my home last week. I'm finding that even though I have a lot in common with my Dad, but I don't know him very well. I'm taking full advantage of the time and proximity that God has given me to know my Dad and to appreciate who he is, and by extension, who I am because of him. After he left tonight, it really hit me what a gift this is and the love that was overflowing in my heart spilled out. In words and in tears, and then I found this quote:

“There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are messengers of overwhelming grief...and unspeakable love.” ~ Washington Irving

I have always embraced and appreciated my weepiness, but this quote embodies what my tears really mean to me. And demonstrate the extent to which I feel. For which I am neither embarrassed about, nor apologize for. I am blessed.