Reminiscing

Today would have been my Dad's 73rd birthday. On December 27th it was exactly twenty years since he has gone home to being with the Lord after fighting a long hard battle with lung and brain cancer. I can't help but think of him today.

My Dad was a very quiet and private man. He was a hard worker and loved his family. He was a man of few words, but felt that his working and providing for our family was the way he conveyed his love for us. I remember telling him in college that I needed to hear him say those words as well. I still can picture him sitting on my bed when I told him that I was never sure whether or not he loved me as I was growing up. I think that was the first time I saw my Dad cry. He assured me then of his love, and made a point from that moment forward to tell me of his love. Unfortunately he only would have a few more years to do that before the Lord called him home.

He left while I was over six months pregnant with his first grandchild. He never had the pleasure of holding this grandson that also carries his name. I think of all that he has missed the past twenty years - the birth of another grandson, swim meets, graduation, college, etc.

I know that I still miss this quiet gentle man. In him I see a reflection of myself as well. So on this cold January day, with snow flurries flying, I praise God for the time that I did have with my Dad, and that I did learn of his love for me and was able to revel in that those few years. Thank you Lord for also being a 'Daddy' to us.