A Tribute to My Good Ole Dad

Living in a fatherless home is a crisis too many are personally acquainted with.   Google ‘father statistics in America’ and you will see shocking statistics baring the importance of a loving father being in the home. 

I grew up fortunate.  I never worried if my dad would leave the home or my mom.  I never worried if he would choose work over family.  I never worried about what he thought about me- I knew he thought I hung the moon.  I saw it in his eyes.  In fact, he thought each of his children hung the moon. 

My dad taught me many things. 

He did not simply tell me to work hard; he showed me how.   He modeled a strong work ethic in his job and the things he was placed in charge of.    

He did not simply tell me to love sports, he showed me how.   He played with me.  He came to all my games.  He believed in me. 

He did not simply tell me to take the long view, he showed me how.  He lived below his means.  He gave unselfishly.   He lived each moment anticipating the future. 

He did not simply tell me to love the church, he showed me how.   Weekly we went to church as a family. 

He did not simply tell me to pursue my giftings, he modeled it.   He read, wrote, researched, and read more.  My father truly is a walking encyclopedia and a very gifted writer. 

He did not simply tell me to love nature and the outdoors, he modeled it.  We hiked.  We played outside.  We made forts.  We gardened. 

He did not simply tell me he loved me, he showed me.  He loved my mama.  He read stories to me.  He wrote personal letters to me- something I still request to this day over a hallmark card with someone else’s words on it.  He took me on long walks.  He played tennis with me.   He drove me around looking at my fetish of abandoned houses.  He ‘dated’ me and was the first to show me chivalry. 

With Father’s day coming up, I truly am thankful for my good ole Dad!