Remembering Dad

Written on June 21, 2009 on FB...
Whether he is old and grey when he leaves us or he is gone "before his time" it's always too soon. It's hard to say good-bye to the man who has always been there. Dads are special people. They love and teach us. They cheer and support us. They are the voice of reason and wisdom when we're faced with difficult choices. In the eyes of his children, Dad is a superhero who can do anything.

But, now he's gone and on Father's Day I am thinking of him and all that he was for me. As a baby, he held me. He was patient with me as a toddler when I wanted to "help" him with the yard work. He taught me how to ride my Strawberry Shortcake bike with no training wheels. He gave us the world by making us a tire swing, rope swing and tree house. As I started to drive he'd slip me $20s for gas or a night out with friends. He supported and encouraged me through college and was there to cheer me on when I graduated.

When I moved home after college, Dad and I would occasionally meet for lunch. They were special times for me where we could laugh and talk, just the two of us. He took time out of his work day and invited me to know more of his life as an adult daughter and I welcomed him more into mine. The week my dad died, he'd had a lunch date with me on his calendar. But even superhero dads are still human.

The last time I saw my dad was Father's Day, very briefly as I hugged him goodbye before leaving for a week with several high school students. I knew I would see him again the next week and we would celebrate his 50th birthday. But that's not what happened. So quickly, he was gone from our lives.

There are so many things that I always thought my dad would be a part of and his absence is felt deeply. My dad was not able to walk me down the aisle on my wedding day. He was not able to watch as I graduated with my Master's degree and was ordained in ministry. He was not there to welcome his first grandchild to the world or to do for him all the wonderful things he did for me. And I don't get to see him become a grandpa.

He is missed. My dad was not perfect, but he taught me a great deal and was part of making me who I am today. I wish he was here to be honored today, but I know that he is living more fully and perfectly in heaven with his Heavely Father. And one day I will be with him again, maybe having lunch together, talking and laughing.

I love you, Dad.