Funny isn’t it how our perspective becomes clearer as we get older. As I was searching for a picture of my dad and I when I was young I didn’t have very many at my disposal. But the one I have is an absolute favorite. I am just days old; and I am drawn by the look on my dad’s face (wonder, love and awe as if he is holding something fresh out of God’s hands into his, and maybe a little uncertainty). I felt the same when I held my own children.
My dad isn’t even 21 years old in this photo and by the time he is 28 he will have four children (myself and three little brothers.) So this explains why not so many pictures when I was young because he worked to provide for us. I know there are many childhood memories of having a bike to ride, a bunny to love, a home, and food to eat that wouldn’t have happened without his strong work ethic and commitment to care for his family. My dad was the first hero I was ever introduced to and over the years he has put on his superhero cape and flown to my rescue many times.
This afternoon I am blessed to celebrate with my dad. I don’t take this lightly because the truth is as I get older so does my dad . I realize the times that can seem so ordinary – lasagna dinner and cake for dessert moments are the ones to be intentionally present at. I want to catch the glimmer of delight in his eye when he watches his great grandson giggle, as he talks to my husband, son and son-in-law about computers, when he has us laughing over the witty way he can tell a story and how he will slip a bill into my hands to offset the cost of the dinner (we tell him this isn’t necessary but dad must follow his heart and as he says he is not a freeloader.) These are the things I treasure.
Love you bunches Dad.
To read about a special memory I have with my dad called Gasoline and Icees – click here
This touched my heart so much. I want to soak up every minute of the time I have left with my Dad. I hope young people will read this and know what they have before it is lost. Good post, my friend.
Kim
Hi Kim,
It’s always a pleasure when you drop by. Thank you for your praise. My dad was actually thrilled with want I wrote. It’s important that we tell people how much we love them so they can hear it.
A treasured picture indeed! I too know of a hard working dad, my husband, who worked a 12 hr shift and drove 45 min to and 45 min from work many a day. He’s been a great father to our children. This is a really nice post 😉
Hi JoAnn,
It is sweet that you admire your husband’s dedication to provide for his family. Thank you for the kind words. I think the best part of this post was seeing the joy it brought my dad. He gave me a hug and said it was a great Father’s Day gift – priceless.