In his memory …

Today 2 February, is the anniversary of my dad's death. I've already published posts about that trauma and tragedy in my life (see posts like The night I lost my dad to suicide, From the day after the tragedy, and Part 1 - Suicide and the Greek Orthodox Church).

My dad loved seeing an underdog triumph against social injustice. 

But if my dad were here today, witnessing his daughter be abused on a systemic, institutional (religious institutions yet again), and personal level, I don’t believe he would survive. I don’t know how I have. 

I can’t live my entire life hoping for a better future, abuse free, waiting for a day I too will thrive with health, love, joy, kindness, respect, dignity and family. 

Everything I value has been taken from me. I have nothing else to lose. 

My dad wanted to see me happy. Not be abused and betrayed again and again and again. My dad’s heart would break. 

We all have a human right to thrive. Not be yet another “survivor” of abuse and massive disrespect. 

Me and my dad

 

In tribute, I share this amazing song, Dance With My Father, written in collaboration, by two amazing artists: Richard Marx and the late Luther Vandross. I only heard this song after my dad’s passing. It was released years earlier, and I think won a Grammy for Song of the year in 2004. I consider it a classic.