Unending Love

Me, my mom, and Dad on my wedding day.

With Father's Day approaching so quickly, I'm reminded of my dad and how loving and hard working he always was. This year I told myself that I wouldn't think of him on this day. There is only so much sadness that one can bare, and I believe I've had enough to last my entire lifetime. I cry on his birthday, the day he passed away, Memorial Day, and every other day that I think of him and remember the memories we shared. I thought to myself, "I could make this day about Daniel. I have no father, so this day isn't for me. So, it should be for him instead."

But when you have a dad that was as wonderful and kind as mine was, you don't just forget that. So, instead of remembering him on this day, and being sad that he isn't here. I think I will share with you some positive things about him and be happy that he was mine.

I never met a single person who disliked my dad. All of my friends thought he was great. All of my boyfriends (Except one) got along with him, and the one who didn't, didn't last very long.  He was incredibly kind. And very charming...even when he stood in the kitchen under the ceiling fan with his lips curled under like Elvis and sang AND I QUOTE, "Oh, I lobster and NEVER flounder." He worked five days a week from 8-5, and was home every single night by 5:30.

We spent our evenings outside. Dad worked until dark on whatever needed working on, and I played nearby. Then we'd go in the house, shower, and watch Mash reruns. And every Saturday he would sneak into my room, wake me up, and we'd go to the Rainbow Restaurant for the hungry man's breakfast. (2 eggs, sausage, bacon, biscuits, home fries, and a bowl of the best instant gravy ever) I was his girl, and I was just fine with that.

As I got older our relationship changed. In ways we got closet. In ways we grew apart. Then I fell in love with Daniel, and he had to give me away. I can only imagine how incredibly painful it was for him to watch me tell him goodbye. Even then he stayed my best friend. I am lucky to have had him as long as I did. I would have rather had him a short time, than a lesser man as my dad for a long time. That said, I believe that his death has given me a small peak into the eyes of the Father.

The day he died, he opened his eyes and looked at me. All I could see was love, and pain in knowing I was hurting. Even in his death, he had concern for me. He loved me even unto death. As does our Heavenly Father. His love is unending. It travels from one life to the next. It transcends any other emotion. It sees us exactly as we are, and loves us anyway. Since we know that's true, I believe that means my dad is somewhere in heaven with my heavenly Father loving me, and waiting for me to get there. How in the world could I ever be sad for that...

Happy Father's Day in Heaven daddy. Give my two babies a hug from me. I'll give the other two a hug from you. My love is unending. Until we meet again.