Proverbs 20:7 (The Message) God-loyal people, living honest lives make it much easier for their children.
Today is the first Father’s day without my dad. I knew this day would come and used to wonder how I’d ever survive. The grace in this loss is that I had him for a long time. He was not taken from me early and I am grateful.
I remember finding this photo some years ago and thought what a handsome man he was – downright cute. No wonder my mother lost her heart to him! It is one of my very favorites. Here is is teaching at a Bible camp along the shore of Blue Lake, Alabama.
In the early 90’s I was challenged to “bless” my parents while they were living instead of waiting until they were gone and then read something at a funeral service when they could not hear me. Here is the blessing I wrote for my father.
From your integrity, I learned to trust you and others.
Many are reaching their potential because you believe in them and I am too, because you believe in me.
Special treatment from others surprises you. You don’t take advantage of your success and position. That’s why it is so much fun doing things for you.
Even when I was a child, you always knew when something was bothering me and took the time to ask. That’s how I have learned to be sensitive of others.
You have taught me to enjoy life wherever I am
Small community of Dixie, nestled in the beautiful pine forests of South Alabama in the 1950’s
exploring the back roads of Illinois
“Big Sky,” the wide open spaces and mountains of Montana
the waterfront in Racine, Wisconsin(Ever the optimist, you were positive if we just waited, the weather would clear and the Air Show would begin. The most exciting thing that happened that day was the Coast Guard helicopter that flew by.)
Lake Michigan, the crowded streets and the city lights of downtown Chicago
You always found places to enjoy, people to meet and fun things to do.
You have taught me to laugh
I love how you tell a good joke as you laugh hilariously about it.
These gifts and many more you have given to me.
I love you and thank you for the part you have played in making me the wife, mother, grandmother and friend I am today.
In remembering you on this Father’s Day, I am acutely aware of the truth of this paraphrase of Proverbs 20:7 (The Message)
God-loyal people, living honest lives, make it much easier for their children.”
You and Mom did this for us.
Dad, in another week, your “east coast family people,” as you called them when you prayed) will remember and celebrate you in another memorial service in Marietta Pennsylvania at Community Bible Church, your home church. You’d probably be amazed at all the attention and wonder what all the fuss was about!
Thanks for taking the time to put this together. I enjoyed reading it. We have much to be thankful for as we look back over our lives. We had parents that pointed us to Christ and that has helped so much as we face the ups and downs of life.
so right Cousin of mine. they got the “the one thing” right~! I am so greatful. we have a long history of faithful people in our family.
Thank you for inviting us here. I will be thinking of you as you celebrate your father’s life once again in PA.
I had the privilege of blessing my father this Father’s Day. Every year, I’m aware it could be our last.
I love that you shared these thoughts with your dad. What a blessing he was able to know your heart…because you told him. That is indeed a gift. Thinking of you today Carol and praying for your continued peace.
This beautiful tribute to your father is heartwarming and tender, Linda. May God give you comfort as you face tomorrow without him and continue to bring healing to the broken places in your heart.
I bet he was very proud of you.
Thanks Pat. It’s good to feel grief – I knew I would feel much relief since it has been a hard year, but grief is also good. It was fun and healing to do this post. thanks for your words.
Dear Carol …. I’ve thought of you this week as Father’s Day approaches … I hope that your heart-words are bringing you comfort as you continue to grieve.
Hugs, my friend.
thank you Linda. It has been a week with more emotions of sadness than I expected in some ways. the relief was present, but the sadness took the lead and that is good….grief validates the feelings of loss i think.