Thanks, Dad!

Summer is a season of celebrations, including three very special ones for my dad: Father’s Day, a wedding anniversary, and a birthday. With the latter just hours away, today seems like a fitting time to share a few thoughts from days past and present about how special Dad is to our family.

Calm and patient, my dad has rarely ever raised his voice, even with his somewhat feisty and temperamental young daughter. His discipline was always firm, yet loving, and therefore, quite effective. Now, as a parent, I respect his incredible ability to exert self-control in those years of raising children, appreciating it in a way I never could have as a child.

As the faithful provider for our family, Dad worked diligently. Yet he recognized the need to balance his job with his family. He took time for picnics in the park during his lunch hour, a Saturday trip to an amusement park, and vacations at the beach or in the mountains. Occasionally, we were even privileged to tag along on a business trip.

Dad also coached my church basketball team, not halfheartedly in order to fulfill some obligation, but with enthusiasm and a desire to see his daughter and her teammates learn and improve with a Christ-like attitude.

The year before I entered high school, my dad had a difficult decision to make. He was transferred to a location an hour away from the only home his children had ever known. The daily commute was inconvenient and tiresome. Despite the tears and pleas from my brother and me, the choice was made to move closer to his new workplace.

I understand now, as a parent, how hard that decision was for my dad. Even when making a wise and reasonable choice, it hurts to see your children distressed and unhappy. Yet he kept our family together and himself closer to us by cutting out the two hour daily commute. Furthermore, we attended a top-notch high school that prepared us well for college. We learned new skills, made close friends, and gained valuable experiences because of the move.

Dad made sure any need we had was met, if not exceeded. He provided my brother and me with our first cars, treasures not to be taken for granted. He paid for our entire pursuit of a bachelor’s degree, enabling us to leave home without the burden of college loans.

And when Mike approached my dad to ask not for my hand in marriage (he did that a year earlier), but to move our wedding date up a year before my college graduation, Dad relented, even agreeing to continue paying my tuition in exchange for Mike taking care of “room and board”!

Dad took on a new title when Brandon was born: Granddaddy!

He absolutely loves my boys and has made special connections with each of them. His love is not unrequited. My sons eagerly anticipate time with their granddaddy and enjoy trips with him to the movies, bowling, coin stores, and any place that serves ice cream or donuts.

A loyal graduate of the University of South Carolina, Dad passed his devotion to the Gamecocks down to his children and most of his grandchildren. When South Carolina has a big win, I immediately grab the phone to call or text my dad.

With many miles separating us, it would be easy to disconnect from one another. Yet Dad takes the initiative to ask about all we are involved in, especially school and sports. He listens intently while also participating in the conversation.

Over the course of my life, I have not failed to see my dad actively involved in church. I have witnessed him faithfully reading God’s Word and have no doubt that even in his retirement days he is continuing to seek the Lord and know Him better. This aspect of his life, more than any others, is the most treasured!

“The righteous man walks in integrity; His children are blessed after him.” Proverbs 20:7