Fathers Are So Special

Yesterday was Father's Day.

It was also the first Father's Day for my dear friend without her father on earth.

My heart hurt for her as I saw all of the Facebook posts about awesome daddy's.

I can't imagine how hard yesterday must have been for her and her mom.

I know I would certainly have a difficult time on Father's Day

if I didn't have these awesome fathers on the earth.

I have learned wonderful and great lessons from each of them.

 

 

 

This is my father-in-law, Rich. I have known him for more than half of my life. He has taught me how to slalom water-ski. Entwined within those slalom lessons were great demonstrations of patience, encouragement, and perseverance (he was willing to continue to drive the boat long after I was ready to give up). He has also taught me how to not take myself too seriously as I watched his example of goofiness. He and my mother-in-law raised a wonderful son who I am honored to call my husband.

This is my dad, Craig. I have to be honest and say that during my growing up years, we had some major bumps in the road. Until my junior year, I wasn't sure how committed he was to being a dad. His job kept him very busy and away from the family. And then when he did re-commit himself to our family and being a dad, I wasn't sure I wanted or needed him. It was rough. But, he did teach me many things. He taught me to be strong and independent. He sparked a love of travel in me. Because of him, I am a connoisseur of cheese and other fine food. However, the most important thing I learned from my dad is that the grace of God is very real; that Christ's atonement and its redemptive power can absolutely change the heart. It was a hard, but beautiful and important lesson. I am so grateful that he is my dad.



This is my man.

He has given me two beautiful children and a wonderful life.

I have learned many things from him.

He helped me develop a love of being fit.



He taught me that there is never a problem that can't be solved.

He taught me that a problem to be solved, should never be more important than a person to love.

He has shown me the meaning of absolute love and devotion.

He has helped me learn how to not be a yeller (although I'm still a loud talker).

He calms my crazy and builds me up.

The list could go on and on.

I certainly hit the jackpot all those years ago

when I sat down next to him on the tailgate of a pick-up truck

at the drive-in theatre.