My Dad...

I decided to write my own post in honor of my Daddy.

As I read both Donna and Daryl’s blogs, I realized that their memories are also my memories. I remember combing Dad’s hair, learning to ride a bike and lots of music. Growing up I have to admit that most of the time, I thought the music was b-o-r-i-n-g. I don’t have the same love and appreciation for classic music that Donna and Daryl do, but I have learned to appreciate it and enjoy it on a different level. And, I must admit that it stirs deep within my soul at times.

I remember putting rubber bands and clips in Dad's hair. He was a dutiful participant in my "styling" his hair. Make me smile to think of that now.

My learning to ride a bike experience was at 40A (is the “A” right?) Leander Ave. I remember there was a road, or alley, or driveway beside the house and I learned to ride on that. I learned to ride a man’s bike by putting my legs under the straight bar and balancing the bike. I honestly don’t remember if Daddy taught me or I just figured it out. He may have given me the idea. I’m not sure, but I remember riding the bike that way.

I, too, remember a time that Dad let me make up my own mind – there was a dance at my high school and I wanted to go. I begged and begged to go and finally Daddy told me that he did not approve of dances, but if I wanted to go I could go. He would not take me nor pick me up, but I could go. I did go and after going to a couple of dances decided that I really did not enjoy them so I stopped going. I have often wondered if he had not allowed me to make up my own mind if I would have rebelled and found a way to go just to (as kids often do) spite their parent. I am so grateful that he allowed me to make a choice, which went against his own personal belief and to let me figure out what I wanted to do.

I also remember at Fairland, in particular, when Dad was a pastor there - I don’t know how often I went into his study and wanted his attention. I don’t remember ever being turned away and I am sure that I sometimes went in when he was quite busy and didn’t really want to be bothered. My memory tells me I was never turned away. I always felt important and wanted.

I, too, am grateful for the father I have. Happy Birthday and Happy Father’s Day and I love you very much. Oh, another quick memory – Daryl once told me that the USA puts out flags for both Dad’s birthday (Flag Day) and Daryl’s birthday (Memorial Day – when it used to be on the 39th) just because it was their birthdays. I don’t remember if I ever truly believed him, but I do remember him telling me that.

CELEBRATE

Here are some pictures from my birthday party. It was a small party because Gail and Leah were not sure how I would be feeling physically by my birthdate. Ben and Leah surprised me at the restaurant where Gail and I went for supper. We were in the process of what to have for dinner when, while I had my head down looking at the menu, Leah walked up with a beautiful bouquet of flowers and said that she had heard it was my birthday. I was, of course, shocked and then cried - remember the crying thing? It took us quite a while to order our food. Thank goodness our waitress was patient. Leah gave me a beautiful book with snap-shot pictures through the years as well as comments from my family. A very nice gift and one I will always treasure!! We then came back to our house and had a camp fire, something we all enjoy very much. Gail and Ben then served ice-cream cake to us. It was a very nice evening and the surprise was well worth it all.

This is my baby and I am pretty sure he thought we had all gotten together for his birthday. He seems to think the world revolves around him. Isn't he cute? And, he is not spoiled at all!!!

Reflections

Well, tomorrow is the big day – 50. Since I am the youngest of my clan, I am not entering a new decade that you haven’t already entered and maybe even already passed through. But, it is a new one for me.

I have been thinking back over this past year and quite honestly, it hasn’t been all that great. I was ill for most of my 49th year and am just now beginning to understand just how badly I really felt. If I stop with that comment, it seems a little depressing, so I won’t stop there.

I am more than grateful that I am where I am today versus where I could be if the diagnosis had come back differently. The past two months have given me pause to reflect on many things. I would like to share them with you. I am grateful for these things:

- A God who loves me in a way that I will never truly comprehend.
- A husband who loves and supports me even when I am grumpy from not feeling well. Who encourages me to take each day at a time and to not look back into the “what if’s and if only’s”. I love his “let’s take it from here and handle one day at a time” attitude. Where would I be without you?
- A daughter who brightens my day with her love and concern for my well-being. My best girl-friend and a gift beyond mere words.
- A son-in-law who is more like a son - whose encouragement and love go far beyond words that I could express. Your love for my daughter touches the depths of my heart.
- A Father who called one night and asked “how is my baby tonight?” That tender endearment touched my heart. Thanks, Daddy. Yours and Verna Mae’s phone calls were appreciated very much!
- My siblings who have encouraged me through all this. I’m glad we are staying more in touch through this Blog world than ever before. And, I feel like I am getting to know you on a different level than ever before.
- Gail’s family – for their love and support through these past difficult months.
- My closest friends, who are more like family than you know.

As I look over this very short list, and believe me, I could go on and on and on but I will spare you, I think that maybe this past year hasn’t been as bad as I originally thought. This illness has brought to my attention all that I have to grateful for, and there is so much more that could be added.

I once read that attitude is everything and I am inclined to believe it now more than ever. So maybe 49 wasn’t so bad and I look forward to 50 and all this new year/decade will have to offer. I hope and pray that as I continue on life’s road that I will never stop learning from those around me, that I will be just a bit kinder to those who are less fortunate than I, that I can help to carry the load of someone who needs it, that I leave those I meet with encouragement and hope, that I learn to love a little deeper and treasure the important things in life.