Father's Day

My father died 24 years ago. I still have vivid memories of the phone call telling me he had died. I was so thankful that Charles had decided to come home that weekend from work in Oklahoma. I'm not sure I would have been able to make it through without him. I don't feel like I was ever really close to my dad. I don't ever remember telling him that I loved him. Nor do I remember his ever telling me he loved me. But I know he did. Valary, who just 20 mo. old when her PapPaw died, and I were at my parents the night before Daddy died. And I am so thankful that he finished his last days on earth doing what he dearly loved to do--gardening. I worried as I watched him push the row plow that night. He would take two or three steps and then have to stop and catch his breath. But he got planted what he wanted to plant. I don't remember exactly what it was, probably green beans. When we left that Thursday night I really had no idea that I was saying goodbye for the last time. The only good thing that I can see about that time was that it brought me back to God. I had stopped going to church, really doing what I wanted without regard to what I should be doing. But the week after Daddy died, Mom asked me to go to church with her--she hadn't been going either. So together, she, Valary and I made it to church. I haven't looked back. My Dad's dying was the best thing that happened to me. I now have a relationship with God that I treasure. And my daughter grew up in church and is a fine Christian lady today. I regret that I can't get Charles to go with me, but that is something he needs to work out. The preacher calls him from time to time and they seem to have a good visit. I am leaving it up to God.

So while I can't wish my father a happy father's day, I really feel that I will see him again one of these days, but I have a Heavenly father, the Almighty God, who is with me all the time. I am truly blessed.