A Tribute to my Dad

Father's Day is just around the corner. Last night my dear, sweet, almost-like-a-daughter, friend Amanda posted a tribute to her father who passed away a couple of years ago from cancer. It touched me so deeply, it was an hour before I was emotionally stable again. I was reminded of how blessed I am to still have my own father on this earth with me and it inspired me to write my own tribute while he can hear it with this world's ears. So, taking my cues from Amanda, this is for you Daddy...

It's silly what specific things you remember from your childhood. I remember the time a snake was in the mud puddle between the house and barn. Being the hero that you are, you swiftly killed that creature and calmed my hysteria so I could get back to the house. I remember you letting us ride in the scoop of the tractor while we looked for baby calves in the pasture, even though I'm sure you could have probably done it much quicker without us. I remember you smoking the occasional cigar and letting us kids blow out the match, an event we would fight over like it was some major accomplishment. I remember making gravy thickening for the coleslaw dressing because it was the only recipe I could recall and how you ate it anyway, telling me it wasn't that bad. I remember helping to innoculate the soy beans before you planted them, sitting in the truck waiting for you to come back around the field and fill up the planter. I remember you coming in after dark, covered in dirt, eating the dinner we saved for you. I remember seeing you reading your Bible every night before you went to bed and watching you stand at the communion table at church and pray.

Although I don't remember ever being awake for it, I am told that you came in every morning before milking to check on us and cover us up. Although I rarely ever spoke with you on the phone after I went to college, I am told that it was you who insisted Mom call to see how I was doing. These things are so indicitive of who you are--always in the background, working hard, loving deeply but never loudly, the personification of quiet strength.

You have taught me the proper work ethic--always give 110% without asking for recognition. You have taught me that relying on God for our every need is not an option, it is a way of life. You have taught me that to love the Lord and live for Him does not always have to be an emotionally charged response. It can be a steady, humble, faithful walk that never waivers even during times of difficulty. I would not be the woman I am today were it not for your daily example of Jesus inspired meekness.

I know there is a great possibility we will be separated physically some time in the future but I know that should you go to Heaven before me, you will save me a place at the feet of Jesus where together we can spend eternity praising Him. I love you Daddy. You are my hero.