I want to dedicate this post to my Dad, whom I love and who I celebrate, along with my husband, this Father's Day. I am so thankful to have a father who loves me unconditionally and who has all the years of my life.
I am blessed to have a Dad who shared Christ with me when I was young and my heart was tender. I remember going to church together and hearing God's word. It's funny, but I also remember my dad showing me how to sing a hymn and follow each verse. I still think of that when I am teaching my own kids to do the same. My dad taught me that God's word was to be valued. Because he did, I now love God's Word above anything.
I remember fun things like Dad shooting us with rubber bands and laughing and running through my first house in Pennsauken. I remember laying on his chest in his bed and driving in his truck with him. He would squeeze my thigh and tell me that he had kids so he could squeeze them. LOL!! I tell my kids that today about them!! I remember how Dad would save the very best Christmas presents until last and then pretend like Christmas gifting was over and then he would pull out the biggest and most-longed for gifts! That was fun!
My dad worked hard for us while we were growing up to give us what we needed and so much that we wanted! Even still to this day, my dad is very generous with us. My dad has given so much to us financially, but even with his time. As dad has been on disablility over the past couple of years, he has come to visit and help me with the kids when I was having surgery or going out of town. He built a fort for the kids in our backyard. He made beautiful benches for my dining room. He bought and put in a door in my home. He has been a blessing to me in these things, so much. How many dads do you know who would come and take care of 5 kids for 6 days while his daughter was away?? Dad said it was only the crazy ones!! I say crazy and the loving!!!
All these things are great, but my best memories of my dad come from the times I was down and discouraged in college, both with my school work and seeking to find the Lord's will for my life. I don't know how many times I spoke to my parents on the phone, but it was often and dad was a leader and strong tower for me. He encouraged me and spoke truth to my heart when I needed it most. My mom and dad prayed me through a terribly rough season of depression and anxiety. Without their support and time, talking to me and encouraging me, I am sure I would not be alive today. God is so good in giving me a dad who is a strong encourager in the Lord. Oh how I needed that!! And one last thing, my dad counseled me to marry the man I am married to today, the daddy to my five children. Dad had always steered me about guys, usually away from the one I thought were good. But this time Dad steered me into to Mark's arms and I am so glad he did. You were wise, Dad!!! God has blessed me with Mark and your counsel all the way.
Dad, I love you so very much!! You are a blessing to me and to my husband and to my kids. They love you so very much too!!!!
Thank you for being a great dad to me for the past almost 35 years!!! I love you!!!!
~Your Favorite Daughter , Theresa, (better known to you as "Treezie")
XOXOXOXOXXOXOXOXOXX
