For as long as I can remember, my dad has signed his letters "Peace and Love". Letters to his six children. Emails. Christmas Cards. He has not deviated. He has not changed with the times. He's been loyal to his signature line, "Peace and Love."

When I was in college, I didn't appreciate letters from my Dad. Full of advice, and columns clipped from the hometown newspaper, they did not seem relevant to my self-absorbed, sorority girl world. They were all signed, you guessed it, "Peace and Love." I remember thinking, "Why not just Love?" I concluded that the sixties had rubbed off on my dad. He was a peacenik, I guess.

Just a few years ago, I became wise enough to understand that Peace is a very important word. It denotes the calm in a storm. It is a gift from God. There is even a Scripture that says that the Lord gives peace that passes understanding. Literally, peace that we can't even fathom. I don't get how that happens. But I've received it. I know it's true.

Now my dad is in his final season. In his hospice bed, he's happy to see his family, but seems happier to see us leave. He doesn't need to be occupied by the TV or funny stories. He's at peace. Now "Peace and Love" is my new benediction. I say it to honor my dad, who always showed me the way. And I say it because it's not just a signature, it's a prayer.

I love you, Dad.