How My Dad’s Death Taught Me to Truly Live

“Whatever we get we eventually lose because all things, at least in the relative world, have a beginning and an ending.” - Bill Harris


Issue #496 – Monday, October 6, 2025

If there’s one thing that I’ve learned since becoming a father, it’s that time is precious.

When you’re in the moment, time can seem to drag on. And yet looking back, it’s easy to wonder where the time went.

It seems like just yesterday I was rocking my oldest son, Jack, back to sleep at 3am, eyes heavy, humming “twinkle twinkle little star” and wondering when I’d ever get a decent night’s rest again.

But in the blink of an eye, Jack is now about to turn three. His bedtime routine struggles have been replaced by new challenges - learning to ride a scooter, learning to share with his younger brother, even using the potty.

I constantly find myself wondering… am I truly doing everything I can to give him the best life possible? Is there more I can do?

Am I being a good role model?

That’s why this week’s essay from Centerpointe CEO MaryEllen Tribby hit me so deeply.

MaryEllen shares her memories of her father, the lessons he taught her, and the lessons she taught herself after he passed.

It’s a beautiful reminder how precious our time is, and that there are things we can do today to give us more tomorrows to savor.

Enjoy,

Ryan Standifird

Mind Power Managing Editor

P.S. Did you know that trauma responses can be passed down through epigenetic markers in our DNA?

Scroll down to the Check it Out section below to learn more!



How My Dad’s Death Taught Me to Truly Live:
The Greatest Gift You Can Give Your Loved Ones

By MaryEllen Tribby

This Thursday, I turn 64 - wow.

Now, you might be thinking, “MaryEllen, 64 isn’t exactly a milestone. Sixty, yes. Sixty-five, definitely. But 64?

And you’d be right - it’s not a “big” birthday. But for me, it’s a significant one.

Because my father passed away just two and a half months after his 64th birthday.

For years, that fact has sat heavy in my heart. And now here I am, reaching the same age he was when he left this earth. It’s a lot to process.

Memories of My Dad

My dad’s health declined quickly after a series of strokes starting at age 62. Back then, thirty years ago, rehab stays were long. His first was 30 days, then 55, and his last one stretched to 90 days.

At the time, I lived in New York City. Every Saturday morning, I would drive an hour and a half to the rehab center in Morristown, New Jersey. I’d leave before sunrise, slip quietly into his room, and watch him sleep, wondering how many more times I’d get to see him alive.

When he woke, we’d watch sports. Baseball season meant cheering for our beloved Yankees. It always took me back to the first game he took me to when I was just six years old. Even now, I remember Reggie Jackson (then playing for Oakland)  hitting a homer against us.

I even joined my dad in group therapy sessions; sitting among people in wheelchairs, most in their 60s, looking frail and defeated. What haunted me most wasn’t just how sick they looked, it was how few of their families came to visit.

For two years, every weekend, I was either at the hospital, at rehab, or back at my parents’ home, soaking in every moment with my dad. Until that September night, when my brother called to say Dad was gone.

Life After Loss

After the funeral, back in my small NYC apartment, I didn’t know what to do with myself. So I did the only thing that felt familiar, I turned on the sports channels we used to watch together. I sank into a deep sadness. My friends tried to coax me out into the endless nightlife of the city, but I couldn’t do it.

Six months later, an unexpected job offer pulled me to South Florida. Boca Raton was unlike anything I had ever seen with its lush flowers, swaying palms, sparkling beaches. It was the opposite of Manhattan’s concrete jungle. I knew instantly it was time for change.

Within a year, I met and married my husband. But walking down the aisle without my father broke me. When the music started, I froze, overcome with grief. Then, out of nowhere, a man about my dad’s age appeared, took my hand, told me I was a beautiful bride, and walked away. He wasn’t a guest. I never saw him again. To this day, I know my father sent him to me.

Two years later, my daughter Mikaela was born - 10 days early, on the anniversary of my father’s death. Another sign. Another gift. Now, instead of mourning on that day, we celebrate the life of a woman who, even as an adult, carries so many of her grandfather’s qualities. Stubborn but fair. Just as my son Connor is competitive but caring. And our youngest Delanie is smart and compassionate.

And I smile knowing I married a man who shares my father’s best qualities, too. To this day, whenever my husband was asked what he wanted for a birthday or Christmas, his answer was always: “I have my family. That’s all I want.” My dad used to say the same thing.

The Lesson My Father Left Me

So as I stand on the edge of 64, I find myself reflecting on all my father taught me. But one lesson rises above them all:

Take care of yourself.

My dad worked hard. He worked too hard. He never really did anything just for himself. And that, I believe, is part of what cut his life short. Even as a kid, I sensed it wasn’t right.

I too have so many of my fathers qualities. But fifteen years ago, I made a promise to myself: I would not follow in his footsteps in that regard. 

I decided to get serious about my health.

That’s why I created what I call my Three-Point Health Policy - covering mental, spiritual and physical well-being. And I can honestly say, it has changed my life.

Which is why I need to share it with you here: 

MaryEllen’s Three-Point Health Policy

Point 1: Mental Health

I put this first because everything begins with the brain. You cannot properly think about working out or nutrition if your mind is out of balance. You cannot connect with your spiritual self if your brain isn’t firing on all levels.

This is why I am so grateful for Centerpointe and the work we do. We truly have the best meditation products in the world. Bold statement? Maybe. But we can back it up with more than 35 years in business, and over 2.2 million people in 196 countries using our technology.

No matter what you’re going through, we have something that can help. I can personally tell you: since I incorporated meditation into my daily routine, my life has never been the same.

Point 2: Spiritual Health

This one is deeply personal, and it will look different for everyone. For me, it’s prayer. Sometimes I use meditation tools, sometimes I sit in silence, and other times I celebrate in church. All I know is that my life is richer, fuller and more joyful because of this practice.

When I feel connected spiritually, everything else in my life flows better; my relationships, my resilience, my ability to handle stress. It’s like an anchor, holding me steady when life’s waves get rough.

Point 3: Physical Health

If you know me, you know I love being active. I play tennis, swim and bike - a lot. I love the feeling of sweat, that sense of accomplishment after moving my body. It motivates me to eat better and treat my body with respect.

And here’s my best tip: plan ahead. Every Sunday, my husband and I make a list of the meals we’ll prepare for the week and then we shop for them. Preparation is everything. Without a plan, it’s too easy to grab whatever’s quick and usually, whatever’s not so healthy.

The Results

Since adopting my Three-Point Health Policy, here’s the truth:

  • I haven’t had a cold or flu in 15 years.

  • I never had COVID.

  • I don’t take any prescription medications.

This isn’t luck. It’s a commitment. A choice to put my health first, every single day. And I want that for you, too.

Your Turn

So as I step into this new year of life, the same age at which my father left his - I want to leave you with this:

Don’t wait. 

Don’t put your health on hold. Don’t work so hard that you forget to live.

Take care of your body. Take care of your mind. Take care of your spirit.

Because your life is precious. And the best gift you can give the people you love… is a healthy, vibrant you.

Your Easy Daily Health Boost

Remember that even small actions, when done consistently, add up to big results. Just 15 mindful minutes a day can make a big difference.

That’s why one of my favorite Holosync programs is our Body & Soul 360 collection. It features seven Holosync-enhanced ancient health practices backed by science to be super effective at nourishing your brain, body & spirit - all in just 15 minutes a day.

If you want an easy way to start your own Three-Point Health Policy, this is the perfect way to start.

You can learn more about Body & Soul 360 right here!


Check It Out!

Echoes of the Ancestors

Your ancestors passed down more than your eye color or your last name. They also passed down patterns — some empowering, others painful.

This is called epigenetics, and it’s one reason patterns like fear, shame or even scarcity can show up in your life without an obvious cause.

Echoes of the Ancestors was designed to help you:

  • Heal the emotional and energetic patterns inherited from your lineage

  • Reclaim the wisdom, resilience, and strength of those who came before

  • Create new patterns that bless your children, grandchildren, and beyond

  • Feel a deep sense of belonging and connection to your place in the human story

Through grounding ancestral rhythms, harmonic overtone frequencies, and Holosync’s brain-enhancing precision audio, this suite takes you deep into the energetic stream of your bloodline to release what no longer serves you and anchor the strengths you want to carry forward.


Wise Words

“The best gift you can give the people you love… is a healthy, vibrant you.” 
- MaryEllen Tribby


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MyHolosync App User


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