It is easy to be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad. - unknown
My Dad walked me down the aisle at my wedding nearly 28 years ago and before giving me away, I sang a song to him titled "Daddy's Girl." Truly I was blessed to have a wonderful Dad, and even more blessed to have a wonderful dad for my children. My Daddy was always there for me regardless of the situation. If I was sad, he would hold me. If I was scared, he chased the boogieman away, and if there was a big, scary bug, he would smash it. He woke me up with tickles and a whisker scratch, then made the best breakfast in the world. He beamed with pride at any accomplishment I achieved. He was proud to be my Daddy. During my childhood, our every need was met but we did not live a life of abundance. Well, I did receive an abundance of love - just not the material "stuff." One day when I was about eight years old, my Daddy called me into the garage. He gave me a brand, new doll. I was shocked, amazed, and thoroughly thrilled. It wasn't Christmas, my birthday, or some special occasion. The doll became a cherished treasure that I still possess. As I recalled this memory today, I immediately thought about our heavenly father. He continues to bless without any special reason and regardless of whether we are deserving or not. God is so amazing and I am thankful that I had a Daddy that did his best to be Christ-like. Of course, my children are now being loved and guided by a daddy that follows after God's heart. I miss my Daddy so much and wish he could have met my little girl. Maybe through the windows of heaven he sees her.
Today, Bryn could not contain her excitement to honor her Daddy. Her and her brothers picked out a shirt and tie for their dad. She loves to give presents and was giddy with enthusiasm. It was a wonderful day and I am so thrilled to married to Bryce, Blake, and Bryn's Daddy.
P.S. Our church always gives some small gift to every dad that attends service on Father's Day. This year, each dad received a litre bottle of DAD'S OLD FASHIONED ROOT BEER and 1/4 pound of specialty jerky. They all seemed thrilled with their gifts. :)
Jana, I know how you feel about your Dad. He was a great man.
ReplyDeleteHappy Father's Day to Brian too.
Have a great week!
Glad y'all had a good Father's Day. I miss my dad too. He passed away 13 years ago. Although my parents divorced when I was 7, dad still stayed involved in our lives, and I have many happy memories of times spent with him. I'm grateful that I have a Heavenly Father who has promised to never leave nor forsake me, and I know someday I will see Him face to face!
ReplyDeleteJana, truly your dad was a very special man. Just last night Sheldon was asking me when was the first time I met the Allard's and it took me back to an afternoon at the old campground where after evangelist service your dad invited several of us out to lunch with him and I met you and Brian there.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great thought, yes you dad was a very special man, I am blessed to say that I attended church and that your Dad was my Pastor, and the many times that I spent in your Parent's home is still a great memory for me, I sure do miss him, wish at times that I can just call him up and Say Pastor Wilson what do you think of this? How would you handle this situation Pastor Wilson. Oh the day when we get to see him again. Pastor Allard, Happy Fathers' Day to you, through the years you have been a person that I can talk with, when I come to visit. I am proud to say that I came from the Delano Church, and that, that is HOME for me. May the Lord Bless you all, I love you more everyday, and more than words can say, thank you Sis Allard for sharing your thoughts and your family with us, Cher
ReplyDeleteJana, I know those feelings of missing your daddy today. We were both blessed to have such wonderful men in our lives - then doubly blessed to marry wonderful men!!
ReplyDeleteI love your father's day gift at church. We also honored the father's at our church by giving them a Payday candy bar - because every man loves and extra payday!!
Ronda and Karla - We really do understand each other when we talk about our dads. Truly, we had such great dads. Although we know they are in a better place, we can't help but miss them so.
ReplyDeleteKarla - the PayDay candy bar was a really cute idea!
Carol - I spoke to our church this morning and told some stories about my Dad. I mentioned that right after he passed away, someone had a question and I said, "Hey, call Dad. He will know." Of course as soon as I said the words, it dawned on me - "You can't call your Dad." The sting of those words made me cry, but I told the church that our Heavenly Father is always there whenever we call. I guess our minds were running on the same vein today.
ReplyDeleteI would like to ask you a question. I have a couple of young people in my church whose parents divorced, remarried, but are both very involved in their childrens lives. Do you have any special words from your voice of experience that I could use to keep them encouraged?
Cheri - thanks for dropping by. I am glad you had the opportunity to know my Dad and be blessed by him.
ReplyDeleteMark - I'm glad you had the chance to be blessed by my Dad. He always looked forward to Camp Meeting and catching as many of the young evangelists as possible so he could take them out to a good dinner. That is one of the reasons he stayed so young. He thrived on young people and was one of the first to give young evangelists a chance. I have often wondered how many young evangelists received their confidence in their ministry when preaching at our church. That was the good, ole days when Camp Meeting help "sell" the evangelists. I always felt so sorry for you guys getting up there like you were on the auction block. LOL
ReplyDeleteHi Jana,
ReplyDeleteI sent an answer to your question to your e-mail address.
Hi Jana, How could we not remember our fathers; we had good ones. Hope your house repairs are progressing. Love, Helen
ReplyDeleteHelen - true indeed.
ReplyDelete