A Tribute to the Fathers in My Life

My Daddy

My Daddy was a single father to my brother and me from the time I was 2 until I was about 11. I recall him taking us nearly everywhere with him. He wasn't the type of father to drop us on a babysitter so that he could go to social events. He did have hobbies of fishing & camping, but we went with him on these outings. From my earliest memories I can remember being in the boat waiting for a fish. We would go camping and get up at the break of Dawn to be one of the first on the lake.

Daddy was a patient man. I don't remember him getting angry. He is a hard worker. He owned his own construction company and often had calloused hands due to the nature of his job. I love to hold those hands though. There is something strong and secure about a father's hands.

Daddy had to be tired at the end of the day, but we wouldn't have known it. He spent time playing with us. We played Frisbees, throwing the ball, chess or pacman. Once he built us a real Igloo in the snow. We had a blast in that.

Daddy required obedience from us. He expected us to do what we were told, but he also developed a relationship. One of my biggest motivators for staying out of trouble was that I didn't want to disappoint Daddy. Today, we still have a strong relationship. I know that I can call Daddy to tell him about our latest happenings and he will be interested.

I was blessed with a caring, godly father. I have no doubt it has greatly impacted the person that I am today.

My Husband

The first time I told Gregory he was going to be a father, he was so happy he cried. Right after delivery, James was crying and Gregory began talking to him touched his finger and James stopped crying instantly. It was a life-changing moment for him. Gregory has stayed at the hospital with me at each of the births of our children, tended to all of the diapers during the times when it would have been difficult for me to do so. He is a thoughtful father and will jump in to help out with the mundane tasks when he sees a need. Most importantly, he is concerned about our children's spiritual growth. Nightly he leads them in devotions and prayers before he tucks them into bed.

When Gregory comes home from work the children are so excited they all run to meet him. Even Elizabeth has picked up the excitement and gets to the door as quickly as she can. Gregory is their favorite playmate. They play everything from Lego's, cars, Lincoln logs, soldiers and anything in between. According to the children he is an expert bed maker. If there is a night that I tuck them into bed I am just not able to do it "like Daddy".

I am so thankful to have a husband who is not only a good husband, but a great father as well.

My Father-in-Law

A person doesn't always think about their future father-in-law when searching for a mate. I am blessed to have a godly father-in-law. He prays regularly for our family. He is one of the most patient and self-controlled men I have ever known. One of his greatest joys is being a grandfather and it is evident in the way he responds to our children.

Whenever we have opportunity to be in the same household with my in-laws the kids look forward to their mornings with Peepaw. He is a morning person. Something that is quite rare in our family. The children bounce out of bed with greater enthusiasm than other mornings because they know they will be spending time playing with Peepaw.

He also took the opportunity to develop a relationship with his children. When we were married Gregory could think of no closer person than his father to be his best man.

Father's are so important in the lives of the generations that follow. I am so thankful my children have excellent role models to follow. I have no doubt it will influence my boy's role of being godly fathers themselves. Happy Father's Day! I love you all!