I’m watching the U.S. Open today and remembering my Dad. He’s played Pebble Beach so watching helps me remember how grateful I am for his life. I wish I could hear him describe how he played the course and see the light in his eyes as he remembered an enjoyable time. This is my first Father’s Day without him and I miss him.
It started about two weeks ago when I realized that this would be my first Father’s Day without my Dad. I started thinking about the many gifts he gave to me. He was great with people. He never met a stranger and I’m glad I also learned to mix it up with ease. He passed on an unusual amount of grace to others and I wanted to be like him.
My Dad was a great story teller. We would often sit around the table after supper, or in the living room late at night, and he would tell story after story. I’d heard them before but it didn’t matter. He added stories into weddings, funerals and Sunday messages. He always made it interesting. I listened and learned. I loved the way he made the Bible come alive. It was like he lived the story. He made me wish I could have been with Jesus.
On the lighter side he had a great sense of humor. He laughed often and he made others laugh. It was a fitting tribute to him that the last couple of nights of his life his friends gathered in his room at the hospice house and told stories. We laughed and even though he was very weak he laughed a lot! What a way to go out!
I’m glad he taught me to have faith. He took a lot of risks in his life and he accomplished things others thought were unlikely if not impossible. He moved from McAllen, TX to Anchorage, AK. He took mission trips all over the world. He never minded working hard, long or late. He loved every race with the heart of Christ. I never saw him discriminate or act with any kind of prejudice.
I feel so fortunate to have had the Dad I did and I look forward to heaven for the reunion. This has been a bittersweet week. I’ve missed him but I’ve also enjoyed thinking about him.