With Fathers Day around the corner I would be lying to say it doesn’t make me extremely uncomfortable. Some days are easier than others- but everyday is the same- I miss him. The last few months have been harder than I could have imagined; I still get urges to call him when something funny happens that I know only he would understand. I was incredibly fortunate to have had the relationship with my Dad that I did and I will forever cherish those 25 Father’s Days I did have with him. Below is what I said at his funeral. I am sharing this hoping to encourage Fathers who are like my Dad to keep it up. (it doesn’t go unnoticed) I also wanted to urge “children” if you have a Dad that is worth celebrating, to do so! HE WAS THERE: If you know me, you know that my Dad was high up on my list of favorite people. I love my Mom; she’s my best friend. But there is something so special about a Dad and his daughter. As many of you know, I am getting married in a few months…My wedding was important to my Dad, he loved to call himself my wedding planner and talk table linens and flower arrangements. Not because he necessarily enjoyed it- but because he loved me, and wanted my special day to be perfect. A few days prior to his passing they had put him on a ventilator, he was alert, but couldn’t talk and on my turn visiting him I began to talk to him and told him how much I loved him -Ill never forget him grabbing my hand, and pointing to my engagement ring..looked right in my eyes and winked at me. At that moment reality sank in and I knew the odds were against us and he probably wouldn’t make it until the wedding... and just like any other bride I would have given anything for my Dad to have been there and celebrate in such a big moment in my life. However, with his passing it got me thinking on how blessed of a daughter I was and all the BIG moments he WAS there for… He was there on April 22, 1984 when my parents welcomed their first son, Richard Alan.He was there four years later when they welcomed their only daughter-, Elizabeth Ruth..and He was there a year later when their youngest was born on August 31, James Garfield. He was there when I took my first steps..and the day I tied my own shoes. He was there to teach me to swim, and how to ride a bike. He was there to teach me how to write-and he was there the day I decided that Elizabeth was just too long- and I wanted to go by Liz. He was there for every scrapped knee, and every broken bone. He taught me if you find humor in a difficult situation, you win. He was there to discipline me and teach me right from wrong. He was there to drop me off on my first day of kindergarten (jimmy told me he cried the whole way home) He was there for every Girl Scout promotion and to cheer me on at TBALL. He was even there during the summer library program when it was fairytale week and all the parents had to dress like fairies and princesses. (He was the ONLY Dad there that dressed like a princess.) He was there for every Christmas, and for every birthday. He was there the night I accepted Jesus as my personal savior and the day that I was baptized...He was there when boys started becoming interested in his daughter..and he was DEFIANTLY there to make sure that those boys stayed far,far away. I cant ever remember a time when I played volleyball, soccer, or basketball in high school and looking in the stands, and my Dad not being there cheering me on. He was there to teach me how to drive and bought me my first car. He was there to show me how a Godly Man leads his family..and how a husband should treat his wife. He was there the night I went to prom. He was also there waiting for me to make sure I came home in a timely manner. He was there when I graduated high school..and when I was voted “class Clown” of my senior year. He LOVED that. My Mom? not so much… He was there when I was easy to love, and more importantly he was there when I was not. He was there to drive me 12 hours to Atlanta Georgia and drop me off at college. (My mom said he cried the whole way home from there too) He was there for every breakup and every triumph. He was there when I graduated college and followed in his footsteps in teaching. He was there when I got my own place in Atlanta, He made me call him every night to let him know I was home, and safe. He was there to meet my fiancé , get to know and love him. He was there when Caleb asked for permission to marry his daughter and he was there the night we got engaged. He was there to take me wedding dress shopping and helped me pick out the perfect dress. He even surprised me a few weeks ago and bought me my wedding jewelry. I said all of this to say- That I was lucky. I had a Dad who loved me and loved spending time with me. So yes, yes it does break my heart that on our Big Day he wont be there to walk me down the aisle. But how BLESSED I am to be confident that God-willing many, many years from now when I take my final breath and meet Jesus Face to Face I know-HE WILL BE THERE TOO. Happy Fathers Day. xo
Posted on: Thu, 05 Jun 2014 17:33:10 +0000
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