Inspiration for the week - My Dad - Happy Father's Day!

My Dad

My father's life has not always been easy. His mother died when he was just 3 days old and he endured neglect and abuse from a stepmother. My Grandfather was unaware of this mainly because people didn't speak of such things in those days. Because he worked for the railroad and was frequently away, my Grandfather never witnessed the abuse. As a teen, old enough to remove himself from the situation, Dad left NC and moved to VA to live with one of his sisters and her husband. Changing schools during high school meant leaving his status as a football star to become "the new kid" whose clothes didn't keep up with the styles of the kids in VA. Kids could be as cruel in those days as they can be today.

The abuse Dad endured is best left without detail. And yet, it is significant; he could have turned out to be a bitter and angry man, an abusive father or husband. Instead, my Dad is a sensitive, compassionate, loving man, with a great sense of humor. He loves his family, his church, his God.
From as far back as I can recall, my father taught me to be an honest person and to do for others without expecting anything in return, simply because it is the right thing to do. He instilled in me a sense of humor, service to others, a love of laughter, Pecan Sandies cookies and nature.

Much of my childhood was spent camping and fishing. The memories are fresh in my senses. I can still hear the rain on the tent, smell the campfire, taste the toasted marshmallows. I also remember the countless times that Dad was my hero for baiting my hook and checking every nook and cranny in the tent for spiders before I'd agree to lay down for the night.

I have so many blessings in my life and one of the main ones is that my father is not only my Dad, but my friend. I cherish the times we have together and pray that God allows us to have many, many more.

Should God call my father home before me, when I arrive, I'll probably find my father sitting on the bank of a Heavenly lake, fishing pole in hand, one waiting for me, and an open bag of Pecan Sandies cookies. Save me a cookie Dad and please, bait my hook.

I love you,
Donna