Reflections of loved ones who have passed, seem to always make us stronger. I've made a lot of wrong choices in my life which have led to some extremely difficult times, but the thing that never lets me give up is my promise to my dad while he was on his death bed. He had been in a comatose stage for nearly 5 days, but just refused to leave this world. You see, my sister's (one being a nurse and the other a minister) had been around the terminally ill much more than I had so they had already said their goodbyes and my mother, being such a strong woman, had also came to the realization that it was time for him to give up the fight. Then after nearly 10 days of being in the hospital, I had to leave one day to tend to a work matter, but before I did my sister's said to me "Sherry, you need to say your goodbyes"...with that they turn and left me alone with my father. I walked to his bedside and sat beside him. It had been days since we had seen his eyes open or heard any words from his mouth, but somehow I knew he could hear me. With that, I picked up his hand, told him that it was okay for him to leave now and made him the promise that no matter what life through at me...I would be okay. I kissed him on the forehead and left the hospital, before I could make it out of the parking lot my phone rang. It was my sister telling me to turn around...he had passed. So, I believe those were the words he was waiting to hear and when ever I am ready to give up, I remember what was not only the last words I said to my father, but most likely the last words anyone had said to him... my promise that no matter what...I would be okay. You sharing your sorrows, your joys and your strength also help me to remember my promise to my dad, so Carlos... thank you.