Strange I didn’t know Derek existed until he died. He had been blogging for years in BC from a Metro Vancouver community. I read his last words with curiosity.I think he would be pleased at the many hundreds of comments his posts received and the interpretations his thoughts stirred. Some were upset that he did not believe in an afterlife.
What I got from his writings is that life is a puzzle unfolding. Plans can get sidetracked. Some are lost. But no matter how long, short or uncertain the path, there is love, joy and beauty to find in this fleeting wondrous existence.
It can't be easy when reality is a muddy puddle and constant clouds interrupt the view. Yet through his disappointments and health struggles, Derek's final message seems clear. Focus on what you love amid imperfect situations. Get hooked on travels of the imagination ... whether in a room with a window (and perhaps keyboard) or on a physical journey at home or across the globe. Be inspired. Be amazed. Be in the moment. What happens next is a mystery to all.
Explorers can find more sites from around the globe at My World.
Copyright by Penelope Puddlisms
Great post. I saw a short interview with his wife and believe he must have been an extraordinary man.
ReplyDeleteYes … he definitely appears to have been an extraordinary man! I saw the interview as well and discovered that she also must be extraordinary as the wife who loved and cared for him and their children during a difficult but enriched journey through life.
ReplyDeleteHow sad, and yet how wonderful.
ReplyDeleteTo die so young, but to die having found fulfillment and understanding, those two elusive butterflies of life.
— K
Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel
Memento mori is a hard lesson to take on board.
ReplyDeleteMaybe we are gifted with ignorance on the how and when.
I shall go read his last post now.
What an incredible man he was! How wonderful to be able to see the world and our own lives with the same wisdom and clarity! Terrific post for the day! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
I do not know him, but I start reading his blog thru your link, I have to come back and read more. Such a short life for a wonderful person.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny. I also only learned of him after his death. It is always poignant to read someone's last words.
ReplyDeletesad to hear of his passing at a young age. my thoughts and prayers to his family and friends. It’s horrible that there are so many cases of cancers nowadays.
ReplyDeleteLife is definitely a messy, confusing thing. I just read that post, and he certainly seems like an extraordinary man.
ReplyDeleteReality has a way of going from muddy to clear. Great shots.
ReplyDeleteMaybe by reading the diary of someone who faced the approaching death, we could be prepared and live this life in more meaningful way no matter what condition we might be in. To keep our imagination free, to keep dreaming..., now healthy myself thinks it must be easier said than done, but hope I’d have that strength when the time comes.
ReplyDeleteWhen somebody passes away, not only his body but also the whole world of his experiences, thoughts and feelings contained in his heart and mind disappear. Usually part of himself shared by families and friends keeps living with them. E-diary or books makes it possible to be shared more widely.
Yes, tomorrow is a mystery..., and today is a bliss. Thank you for introduction of him, I’ll read more. Your photos are working as very nice illustration to your words.
Thank you for this thoughtful post, I'll go and check out his blog. I recently lost a dear friend to cancer, he too did not believe in an after life. He kept the pain killers to a minimum as long as possible wanting to be in the moment with those he loved.
ReplyDeleteSo much strength and so much to share. I will do some more investigating. Thanks for the lead. - Margy
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post, sad but inspiring too. I love your photos and message. I particularly liked, "Focus on what you love amid imperfect situations." I lose track of this as I demand so much of myself. Thank you!!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat post and tribute. He sounds like a unique and wonderful person. Your photographs go so well with the words. It's sad he died so young.
ReplyDeleteBrilliant post and I did not know him until I read this. What an amazing human being. Thanks Penny.
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting Friko's World and leaving a friendly comment.
ReplyDeleteWe can live a rich life whether we are active physically or not, as the example of the blogger you mention shows. "All" we need to do is be aware, be alive and allow ourselves room to breathe.
I wrote a post along the same lines yesterday.
A beautiful thought evoking post. Yes I am with you. Love is all you need and a bit of imagination and inspiration. Love your pictures too. Have a great sunday. Here it is nearly winter but we have a beautiful clear day so we go out for a bikeride soon. Arohanui marja
ReplyDeleteWhat a gift it is to leave a blog behind when one dies. I had a friend who died about a year ago...she had a blog she began for friends and family, in order that they would find comfort after her death. I still go to her blog for wisdom and love and comfort when I need it.
ReplyDeleteDerek Miller, to use your word, was a very unique man. I found his blog just weeks before he died.
I love your sentence..."Focus on what you love amid imperfect situations." So true! xo
Penelope, spending some time at Derek's blog, then at his wife's blog, and finally, at his parents' blog has left me with a lump in my throat and misty eyes, but the greater portion of that emotion is happiness for the beauty he determinedly found in life, even as he dealt with the reality of his illness and the sadness of knowing he wouldn't be there to support his wife and daughters as they continue their life journey without him. Thanks for posting this. As always, the photos transitioned to the text with quiet honesty. I hope to remember and live by the sentiments Derek expressed, so beautifully summarized in your sentences: "Be inspired. Be amazed. Be in the moment. What happens next is a mystery."
ReplyDelete