Happy Father's Day!

Dad and me

I know I always write about my mom, since she is here with me physically as my advocate and source of strength all of the time, however, my Dad has been a very important part of my journey here as well, as a source of strength both emotionally and spiritually.

So, today, Father’s Day, I thought I’d share a little bit about him.

To start with the basics…My Dad’s name is David. He is 57. He loves the beatles and he loves to read. He is a huge American history ‘buff’ and He is a computer genius. He enjoys collecting things (too numerous to mention!) and he loves doing puzzles.

He can answer any trivia question on any of these topics and he can hold a conversation with anyone, at any time.

He is hilarious and he is always quick to have something witty to respond back with to any comment.

His greatest passions in life are Jesus and his family.

He loves being a volunteer fireman.

After my sister was born, my Dad was feeling very outnumbered in our home. He decided that he needed a place to go where he could just be a ‘guy’ and do ‘guy’ things. And he found that place at the local fire department.

Yes, I guess you know you have had too many daughters when you are willing to go and throw yourself into a burning building just to have some male bonding!

But while everyone else saw him as a strong fireman and leader at work---by day---by night, he was back to playing the part he was born for- the role of Dad.

He has always been the type of dad who has found joy in doing whatever brought joy to his daughters.

He will probably kill me for sharing this, but my Dad is one of probably only a few fathers out there that I know of did this for his daughters… he played dolls with us.

But oh, he did not just play. He brought them to life! He would give them unique names, make up funny voices for them and hilarious stories about them.

We had years of endless fun doing this. I honestly don’t know who enjoyed these games more… us or him! (Actually, I think Mom did, because as long as daddy was playing with us- we were entertained and not bothering her!)

My Dad loves Jesus and his faith defines who he is more than anything else.

This was most evident when after going through the coma and having memory loss, the first thing that I recalled about my Dad was that he loved the bible!

It wasn’t his name, his age, his profession, his hobbies, or anything else that came to my mind first, it was his love for Christ.

I think that is pretty meaningful and speaks volumes to the type of man my Dad is.

For as long as I can remember, every night before bed my Dad would tell me bible stories. He would not just simply read them though…just like he did with the dolls, he knew how to make these stories come alive, too!

Yes, David, Goliath, Moses and even Jesus each had their own special ‘voices’ and ‘personalities’ that Dad would put on to go along with each story!

I am so thankful my Dad instilled the truths in those stories into my heart and mind at such a young age. I never could have known just how much I would depend on those messages of God’s love to get me through my illness.

I’m so thankful that God has given my dad to me as my earthly father and I am so thankful to my Dad for teaching me about Him, my heavenly father.

It has been the greatest, most valuable gift he could have ever given me.

“Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4)

Dad, You are a great living example of this verse!

Thank you for teaching me, loving me, correcting me and guiding me. Thanks for being a wonderful father, one who loves unconditionally and who would sacrifice everything he has in his possession for his childs health and happiness.

I love you!

Happy Father’s Day!

Jessica xo

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