Happy Father’s Day 2025
“My father didn’t do anything unusual. He only did what dads are supposed to do—be there.”
My understanding of fatherhood was shaped by my own father's presence for 21 years. Then 43 years, 2 months, 23 days days ago by life changed forever.
In the beginning, becoming a Father was a mix of emotions:
Scary
Exciting
Overwhelming
Wonderful
And everything in between.
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.”
Before that day, as I said, my understanding of fatherhood was solely shaped by my own dad's example. He was already middle-aged when I was born, with three daughters, the youngest being seventeen. I’ve told this story many times on this blog, so I won’t go in depth again, but you do need to know that it’s not lost on me how many emotions he must have been dealing with. Becoming a Father for the 4th time, but the 1st time in 17 years, and this time it’s his only son. I am told that he was very excited.
My Dad died when I was 33 years old, and he was big in my life for all 33 years. His deep affection and unwavering love for me were always clear.
This is what I knew about Fatherhood from my Dad:
Tough and Tender: He had both, even though tendernes didn’t appear regularly.
Good Teacher: He was always teaching how to do something.
Impatient: He sometimes struggled with waiting.
God-Fearing: His faith was an important part of his life.
Disciplined: He approached life with order and self control.
Deep Love and Care: Above all he showed profound concern.
For 33 years he consistently pushed me to:
Do the right thing
Work hard
Be kind and respectful
Be early - on-time is early.
Fear God.
Pray.
Study the Bible.
I remember when we went fishing with my Uncle Junior and I got bored and started playing with the filet knife in the tackle box. I fileted my thumb and I don’t remember going fishing again.
I remember when he bought an old station wagon and it had a beer under the seat. I got my very first sip of beer and that hot beer was absolutely disgusting. We gave my dog Rusty a few sips and watched him do zoomies around the backyard and laughed our heads off.
I remember the talks we had in the hospital the days before he died - those were the talks that a aging Dad and his son have and don’t speak to anyone else about later.
My girls, loved and adored their Granddaddy and remember nothing but his love, patience, tenderness - all the best of a man. That’s how I choose to remember him today!
I was so blessed to have him as my Dad!
I celebrate him on this Father’s Day.
Happy heavenly Father’s Day - Dad - I love you!
