In a world that lacks fathers in general, and loving, committed, responsible fathers in particular, I am reminded today of how rare and special it is to a.) have a dad and b.) have a dad who loves me, who's always provided for me, and who is even my friend.
When I was little, my dad would go out of his way to make memories with us. He took us fishing at a little stream in malvern that became "our fishing spot". My favorite part was digging for worms and putting them in a bucket to take with us. He always did the dirty work of baiting the hook, and handling the fish! He took us on "mystery trips", where he was the only one who'd know where we were going--and whether it was a big surprise (like getting a pet), or a little one (like ice cream), the part that made it most memorable and exciting was the fact that it was a mystery! And every summer of my 29 years has been spent looking forward to August, when we spend 2 weeks at Indian Lake, where he spent his summers growing up too. The memories we share there are endless and sweet. He taught us how to water ski, took us on hiking expeditions, and taught us the value of tradition. I can't wait to pass this gift on to my own children! He has given me a love for nature, teaching me how to climb a tree, identify plants and birds, and take time to stop and smell the roses of life. And most of all, he modeled what it meant to trust in God through good and bad times. He prayed with us every night before bed, and often when we were sick. He made going to church a priority, and has always given God the credit for the blessings in our lives.
When VCR's first came on the scene in the 80's, we taped a Hallmark movie on TV called "Alex; the life of a child", about a little girl with Cystic Fibrosis. She called her father "My Daddy, My Little Daddy" at one point in the movie, and that has been his nickname ever since!
So many have not had the gift of an earthly father, or one that has molded their lives in a positive way-- what blessing can I offer my dad for choosing to be what so many are not? How do you thank someone for doing their job so well, when he probably considers it just as great a blessing to have been given such a role in life?
A simple "Thanks, Dad" and "Happy Birthday" will have to do for now-- I love you, my L.D. And I can't wait to relive my childhood as I watch you with my own children!
When I was little, my dad would go out of his way to make memories with us. He took us fishing at a little stream in malvern that became "our fishing spot". My favorite part was digging for worms and putting them in a bucket to take with us. He always did the dirty work of baiting the hook, and handling the fish! He took us on "mystery trips", where he was the only one who'd know where we were going--and whether it was a big surprise (like getting a pet), or a little one (like ice cream), the part that made it most memorable and exciting was the fact that it was a mystery! And every summer of my 29 years has been spent looking forward to August, when we spend 2 weeks at Indian Lake, where he spent his summers growing up too. The memories we share there are endless and sweet. He taught us how to water ski, took us on hiking expeditions, and taught us the value of tradition. I can't wait to pass this gift on to my own children! He has given me a love for nature, teaching me how to climb a tree, identify plants and birds, and take time to stop and smell the roses of life. And most of all, he modeled what it meant to trust in God through good and bad times. He prayed with us every night before bed, and often when we were sick. He made going to church a priority, and has always given God the credit for the blessings in our lives.
When VCR's first came on the scene in the 80's, we taped a Hallmark movie on TV called "Alex; the life of a child", about a little girl with Cystic Fibrosis. She called her father "My Daddy, My Little Daddy" at one point in the movie, and that has been his nickname ever since!
So many have not had the gift of an earthly father, or one that has molded their lives in a positive way-- what blessing can I offer my dad for choosing to be what so many are not? How do you thank someone for doing their job so well, when he probably considers it just as great a blessing to have been given such a role in life?
A simple "Thanks, Dad" and "Happy Birthday" will have to do for now-- I love you, my L.D. And I can't wait to relive my childhood as I watch you with my own children!
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