Father’s Day

Hey, Dad.

Facebook has a way of refreshing someone’s memory.  This was eleven years ago.  You were on our back porch.  It was Father’s Day.  Oh, how you loved all the celebrating.  Not for yourself of course, but with us.  Any opportunity to celebrate with all of us is what you loved.

Noah is getting married next week.  You would have loved being there for this celebration.  To think how close you almost got to do that.  You would have walked Mom down the aisle, but instead Noah will be doing this honor.  There is no one better to stand in your stead.

Dad, he is a lot like you.

In his new home, he grows plants and enjoys the care of them like you did.  He already cooks and does it very well, just like you.  He enjoys a good beer and various varieties of bourbon. He is so full of joy like you were every day of your life. You loved life and enjoyed as much of it as possible, leaving very little time for empty space.  It’s just like him.

We’re going to miss your presence next week.  Mom is going but she doesn’t want to cry.  I can’t promise that.  I’m doing it right now. You’ve established for us the legacy of a long matrimony.  You likely would have won the coveted longest dance this year like you almost did every wedding reception.  It would have been 66 years. You didn’t like to come in second place.

For my own marriage, you never once said anything wrong about the man I married.  You set me straight if I did, though.  You loved me, but never sided with me.  You sided with our marital vows.  It’s probably the fatherliest thing you ever did.  And, you did a lot!

Legacies have long-lasting impacts.  It’s the greatest gift to leave your grandson.

I’ve no doubt he’ll see this through, Dad.

He is a lot like you.

Proverbs 13:22, 20:7