Happy Father's Day!!!

As Sunday is quickly approaching, some of us are contemplating what to get our dads for Father's Day, some of us are reflecting on the great men who are no longer with us, and some of us are wishing this day would pass due to the void of not having a dad at all.

I was fortunate enough to have a father figure in my life until the age of fifteen. He was my grandfather, my dad, my friend, and the wisest person I have ever met. I was a "Daddy's Girl" all of the way! According to my family, he's the one that spoiled me...

My grandfather is one the most influential people in my life, and the majority of methods and reasoning are because of him. He was a hard worker, he was employed for 50 plus years, even after retirement.
He was a provider, he always protected us. He was a devoted husband, he and my grandmother were married almost sixty years.

He taught me: how to count money; how to tie a tie; how to chop wood; to be a hard worker, no one owes you anything; always be on time; wisdom listens, an empty wagon makes the most noise; education is important-once that is accomplished, no one can take that away from you; always be honest; cherish your family; never be a doormat; never be a pretender; do whatever you can to help someone; say what you mean and stand by that; always finish the job; never burn your bridges; reputation is everything; and most importantly-one day I would need to know Jesus for myself.

Sometimes when life hands me lemons, I often have to reflect on the times he's wiped my tears away and I realize that I'd be a disappointment to him, if I ever gave up.

Although my grandfather was being treated for prostate cancer, when I was fifteen, we then learned that the cancer had spread and that he had two months to live. He didn't live the full two months, but on his dying bed, he asked me to always be his "good girl" for him. And daddy, I want you to know, that every day I remember that, and whatever has come my way, that's all that I've ever tried to be. My grandfather went on to be with the Lord on June 6th at 11:35pm, but his spirit lives in me as we speak.

On his obituary, dated June 11th 1998, I wrote a poem to show my affection, and I'm sharing it with you.
(When I was a baby, I couldn't say "Grandaddy" so I would say "Gandaddy")

Nobody Knows My Ganddaddy

I know what you all are thinking

But that name is no type of error.

You see, way back when,

I was too young to understand proper grammar.

Some people know him as "Mr. Joe,"

But he was my "Ganddaddy."

His soul was tired but never alone,

My saviour took him gladly.

I always sat in Gandaddy's lap,

And soon our problems didn't seem to be a bother.

'Cause he was the man, the only man

That I could call "My Father"

Happy Father's Day to all of the men who play roles in someone's life. You are appreciated!

If Father's Day is a somber day for you, I want you to know that there is a father, that sits high, and looks low-and he will never forsake you-he's just a prayer and conversation away!!