This is my dad.
Today is his birthday. I can’t be together with him to celebrate, so I’m going to celebrate him here instead.
Ever since I can remember, my dad has been my coach. The (few) times I played sports, he was always right there encouraging me, giving me advice, cheering me on. I recall one time when my volleyball coach laughingly told me to stop looking at my dad during the game and watch him instead!
When I decided I was NOT an athlete, even though he was (and still is) a sports fanatic, he lovingly supported the other activities I chose to pursue. As much as possible he attended the band concerts, the choir concerts, the non-athletic events.
Through the years, he’s been my coach in other areas of life. His gentle wisdom has been my comfort through many tough situations. His love for the Lord has been my example. His counseling advice I have called upon many a time.
He is a man respected and liked by others. Many, many times in my childhood I remember him running to the store to get milk, etc. and being gone forever because he ran into someone and stood and talked with them. His position as pastor and now as counselor was and is a perfect fit for his personality.
His love for my mom set the standard for what I wanted in my own marriage, and the way he loves her still, is a testimony of long-term commitment.
Because of the distance that separates us, we don’t get nearly enough time together, but I so appreciate and love him. I am truly thankful for him and his presence in my life.
I hope you can find things, large and small, to be thankful for today. And if you’ve written a gratitude or thankful post, please link it up below. Be sure to link back here somewhere in your post, and take a few minutes to visit others.
Oh, how this made me miss my dad! I love that close father-daughter relationship and I’m so happy that you have that with your father 🙂
It was fun to go back in my mind and review some of those memories! There is much that I treasure about him.
It was fun to go back in my mind and review some of those memories! There is much that I treasure about him.
Happy Birthday to your sweet dad! What a wonderful man! I hope you are able to see him soon.
I hope so too! We’re hoping to get to visit with them this summer.
What a great tribute to your father!!! It is a blessing to have a dad like that. My husband had to remind me when we were first married “I am not your dad, but I have good qualities too” hahahahaha.
Happy Birthday to your dad. It can be so hard being far away from family, can’t it?? Will you be any closer in TX?
Thank you!
My parents live in central CA, so I guess TX is a little closer. 🙂
What a great tribute to your father!!! It is a blessing to have a dad like that. My husband had to remind me when we were first married “I am not your dad, but I have good qualities too” hahahahaha.
Happy Birthday to your dad. It can be so hard being far away from family, can’t it?? Will you be any closer in TX?
A lovely tribute to your Dad. You look like him too. So wonderful to have the example of loving and godly parents.
Yes, he and I look very much alike. And yes, I am very grateful for his example!