Paul R. Matteson November 23, 1944 – October 27, 2014 My Dad One of the most significant people in my life, my mentor, my loving Father... Paul was a spiritual being who lived the human experience to the Fullest. Paul was a dear husband, loving father, grandfather, Papa, brother, uncle, friend and more; he cared deeply for all. His ability to bring a smile to ones face with his unique humor and unconditional love is something to be remembered! Papa had much respect and admiration for the people who made it through dark times and lived to share their experiences, new perspectives and spiritual awakenings. He empathized with others and realized that he was not alone. They left footprints on his heart and changed his life forever. I thank all of those who made such an impact. Paul loved life completely and lived it passionately. He was granted a gift: the gift of awareness, and the understanding that there is nothing to fear but fear itself, and that fear can not conquer love. He reminded us that yesterday is gone, tomorrow is a mystery and today is all we have. He lived in the present and enjoyed every moment. He embraced acceptance and welcomed change. Papa deeply appreciated the tremendous gift of the present. He wholeheartedly did his part in life. His passion was giving to others what was so freely passed on to him. When opportunities would present themselves, he would openly try to serve others by sharing his experience, strength, and hope- allowing them to pay it forward to those who would listen and had the desire to change. Likewise, as my father, he would help me when I felt uncertain. He would ground me when I was reaching the highest of highs. He always reminded me to stay in the here and now. He would say, where are your feet?. I would subconsciously look down, and before I could say anything, he would say, theyre right where theyre supposed to be. Of the many things he taught me, this one I love the most: the awareness—the realization—that life is a series of moments, and that with God we can change our thought process at any time of the day, making each moment a good one. If I dont forget to remember that lesson daily, I have a feeling the outcome of life will be absolutely and indescribably beautiful. My inspiration and mentor indeed. When I was struggling with a problem he would merely remind me to take a deep breath, pause when agitated, and to pray for direction—humbly saying, over and over, Thy Will Be done. With such action, the right answers do come. Being in the proper state of mind, the so called problem is not such a problem after all. So simple, yet life-changing... Through his actions, he gave us an affirmation that all things will work out as they should. To discover our part; to let go and let God. Thank you, dad, for sharing your love, guidance, hope, and Faith! Even though you are no longer physically with us, your legacy will live on with honor and admiration, through each and every one of us—the people you love and the ones who loved you in return. Papa, you accomplished what I believe is the purpose of our role in life: to love and to be loved in return, to understand rather than to be understood. It takes a lifetime for many to truly grasp such a concept. I commend you for your devotion to family and friends. And to the dedication to God each day- each moment! I trust youve earned your wings. I am such a proud daughter! I love you dad with every fiber of my being. Forever and always, you are my hero! 💞
Posted on: Fri, 21 Nov 2014 07:37:47 +0000