Father's Day

Today is Father's Day. This is the 3rd Father's Day without my dad. It was certainly easier that the first 2, but still quite difficult at points throughout the day. My friend - Rob - preached about fathers this morning at church. I spent much of the message reflecting on the special memories that I have of my dad. I am so thankful for those last six months of his life - knowing that he was dying helped most of us kids make those last days special and filled with memories that bring us comfort.

My favorite memory from those last six months is of Dad and I going to Wal Mart. He was having a difficult time walking very far, so we'd pull up to the curb and he'd shuffle in and get on one of the motorized shopping carts while I parked the car. We'd go shopping for items I needed to feed my hungry brood of college students. He would become like a kid again when he got on that thing - buzzing around corners, trying to beat me to the end of the aisle, almost running over little old ladies! It was fun to see him smile and enjoy himself. I'm sure that the loss of so many of his capabilities was incredibly frustrating. I don't doubt the opportunity to be "behind the wheel" again after not driving for over 10 years was a bit exhilarating! He was always supportive of me being at Goshen College and this was a way he could share in my ministry to students and spend time with me. How I wish he was still here.

One of my favorite childhood memories is our ritual of Sunday morning "Sack me up" moments. I wore lots of dresses to church in those days and had little cable knit tights of every color. Mom would be busy doing her hair and I'd try to get my tights on, but had mostly elephant ankles and the crotch was at my knees. I'd go into where Dad was reading & drinking his coffee and say,"Sack me up Daddy" He'd lift up my dress and grab my tights on either of my little hips and lift me in the air. I'd fall into my tights and the elephant ankles would be gone! He'd give me a hug, then I'd run off and find a book to read until it was time to leave. I think that memory stands out because Mom took care of me most of the time and while I loved my Dad, she was the one I usually went to for help, but for this one thing I always went to him.

I watched the video from Dad's funeral this afternoon. It made me cry...as usual, but in a way it felt like I spent a little time with him today. I'm so thankful that he was my Dad and I look forward to seeing him again someday in heaven.