Dad

Dear Dad,

Wow, it has been almost 24 years since we last spoke. It really just seems like yesterday, but, at other times, it feels like forever.

It’s Father’s Day again . . . and for me, Father’s Day has always seemed more like Christmas. There is something so True to it that I find my heart connecting to. It could be because, as a Dad myself, I have felt and experienced such complete joy and pride in sharing my life with my family. It really goes beyond the fun times and vacation trips ; the paying of bills and providing . . . it is much Larger than that Dad. In them I see a transcendence to this life that points and pulls me to eternal things. That place has brought me such purpose, satisfaction and freedom. That eternal part of us and all things is where my heart tastes rest. And boy!! . . . do I need some rest!! That young, teenage boy that you had a hard time keeping up with . . . well, I’m a pooped, out of shape, old fart now. And, I just realized that the age I am today, is the very age that you were when I was born into your life. No wonder you were always so tired and worn out! :-)

I miss you Dad!! I miss the camping trips . . . to the beach . . . Point Lookout, Myrtle Beach, St. Augustine . . . our trips to Gettysburg or back into Washington DC. I miss the rides into town where I’d just sit next to you on the armrest. I miss your laugh . . . and the strength of your arms and shoulders and how secure I felt in one of your hugs. I miss our nightly games and the goofy way you would blow on the dice before you rolled them for “farkle”. I miss your cooking: French toast, NC BBQ, boiled shrimp and chocolate cake.

I miss the stories you would tell about your life . . . the shananigans, the adventure, each chapter would captivate me even though I’d heard them a hundred times before. Remembering those moments are a good place for my heart to find rest as well.

I wish you could have been around longer . . . to share in my life like I shared in yours. You would have had a blast as a grand-dad to my kids. Well, they aren’t kids any more. They are all pretty much grown up . . . all young adults in their own right and place. I see so much of you in them though. The laughter and fun loving way they experience family and friendships. That mischievous little twinkle that you always had in your eye . . . well, each one of them have it as well . . . you just never know what may come out of them next. And Jan . . . She is even more stunning and beautiful today than you can imagine. I remember how your face always broke into a big smile when you would see her. We’ve shared a lot together dad and I’m a better man because of what God does through her.

Yeah, I miss you dad . . . and I can’t wait til we see each other again. . . we have a lot of catching up to do. I can’t wait to hear what you’ve been up to . . . and I’m sure there’s a lot more that I’ll want to say to you then as well.

For right now, I just wanted to say Happy Father’s Day and Thank you!

Thanks for the life you brought me into. I know you always had this ache inside . . . a burden of loss and shame that you tried to hide us from. The children you never got to share your life with. The things in your military life that none of us knew about. A lot of regret I’m sure! But none of that matters today Dad! You’ve been enjoying the eternal kingdom for a long time now . . . all those tears, sorrows, regrets, have been wiped away.

Shame is a distant memory!

I’m glad for you!

You’ve probably forgotten about all the sickness and pain your health endured those last few years. I hope so anyways. I’m thankful that Jesus’ words and promises are true. All that you longed for has become reality for you! Again, so much more to talk and share about . . . we’ll have all of eternity to do that I guess.

So Happy Father’s Day Dad!!

Enjoy . . .You were meant to !