Month: June 2016

Daddy’s girl

 

 

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I love Father’s Day.  And I also really dislike Father’s Day.  The dislike started in 2003 when this daddy’s girl experienced her first Father’s Day without her daddy.  I seriously doubt the holiday will ever be the same for me.

I love watching my husband be a daddy and now a papa.  My heart feels like it could burst when I now watch my son in the role as daddy.  Even with those joys, the day is still hard, simply because it gives me yet another reason to miss my dad.

My daddy dropped over with a massive heart attack in November of 2002.  God had completely orchestrated the days prior to his Black Friday death.  My daughter was home for the holiday.  We had a great time with the family, including my dad on Thanksgiving.  Then the next day he was gone.  When I kissed him goodbye on Thanksgiving night and told him I would see him later, I didn’t realize how far away later really was.

I don’t need a day on the calendar like Father’s Day to remind me of my dad.  Things remind me of him each and everyday.  I can hear him sing with I listen to the radio.  I can see him on horseback as I pass a horse in a field.  I can hear his laughter as one of my kids say something silly or sarcastic.  Sometimes I think I can still smell his cologne. In my mind I can still see his soft, yet calloused hands.  I can also see his eyes when I glance in the mirror.

There are days when the simple things like a wrench, a guitar pick, a pair of cowboy boots, a nice looking truck or a fishing pole can fill me with memories of my dad.  The flowers on my porch, the guitar standing in the corner of my living room, the tools in my garage always remind me of some of the things I daddy left with me.

But more than things, my daddy left me with love and he left me with life.  He left me with life lessons that continue to guide and direct me nearly 14 years later.  My daddy was not a perfect man, but he was the perfect daddy for me.  He taught me to love, because he loved me.   He taught me to forgive, because we had to forgive each other.  He taught me lessons each and everyday.  He taught me how easily others can be hurt, because we hurt each other.  He taught me how to joke, to laugh,  and to be a bit sarcastic, because he was that example for me.  My daddy taught me to believe in myself, because he believed in me.

The list of things my daddy taught me could fill the pages of a book.  Really the only thing he didn’t teach me was how to live the rest of my life without him.  This is a lesson that I’m working on each day.  It’s a process that is sometimes harder than I ever thought it could be.  It is a lesson that I would have rather never learned.  But my daddy taught me to be tough and to do whatever it takes to do what I need to do.  So that’s what I do.  I continue to learn my lessons.  I walk with his memory in my heart and I cry just a bit on Father’s Day. That’s just something a daddy’s girl has to do.

 

 

 

Life Lessons From the Relay

 

* Good things can come from heartbreak * People really do care * I can go all day without going to the bathroom * People will help if you ask * Don’t count on the weatherman, put God in charge * People really will pray for the weather * Relay volunteers can move mountains * Healing happens on the track * It’s more than just a candle *It’s more than just one night * Son-in-laws look good in red tights and in wigs * You really can “feel the love tonight” * Sand in baggies is a genius idea * Wish I would have thought of that genius idea * You can sell about anything in a basket * Fish tastes better when eaten outside* All the hard work is worth it * Tears heal * A luminary has a story * Count every penny * Every penny counts * I’m not too proud to beg for  Relay dollars * Relay dollars make a difference * Everyone looks beautiful by moonlight * Humidity is real * Dew can make a mess * The sight of a burning luminary bag is heartbreaking * Some people freak if you throw away their luminary  *A hug makes all the difference* There’s no need to apologize for being sweaty when someone wants to hug you * You can’t pay a volunteer what they are worth * We can teach ACS staff * Superhero capes come in all sizes *Rain only creates change *Kim and Kelli know how to deal with rain * Roger’s hugs are the best* Candles can quieten an entire track * You don’t even hear the trucks at 9pm * A train always come through about 9pm * HOPE is always there *In the bleachers and in hearts* Relay shirts are a fashion statement  * Relay shirts can be worn for years * Next year are some of  my favorite words * Purple shirts are empowering * Words of encouragement really do help * Emotions are real on the track *Pastors raise lots of money when wet * We always print too many programs *Sweet Tea at Midnight will keep you going * The perfect sunset picture would have been 2 minutes later * I can walk 12 miles and never make it all the way around the track * Rainbows and sunsets make it all the more magical * All I have to do is ask *A junk car and a hammer will make money *Everyone feels safe at Relay * We can pray if we want  *It takes a lot of keys to get things set up  *Cheerleaders really are encouragers * Emotions are OK *Tears in the dark make us feel better* No one really walks alone * Clean up is always faster than set up * Memories are made at Relay * Nothing really goes according to plan * Most will never know it’s not going according to plan* Kids love Relay *Adults love Relay * Almost everyone loves Relay * Music touches hearts  *They really do listen to the music * Sound system problems can be resolved * People just want to spend time together * People you don’t know will help you * Survivors love to tell their stories * Caregivers run from the spotlight * Jesus is the real superhero * Some guys really do look good in dresses * Oh and some don’t * “Fight Song” will get everyone singing along * There may be tears but there is nothing depressing about Relay * I always have too much to say *Some people will really walk up and say can I help * Even if we don’t make our goal it’s ok * Everyone loves Relay on Relay night * Get next year’s volunteers then* Best friends make amazing co-chairs * Co-chairs can make you cry * Daughters can’t say no to Relay moms * People are supportive even when we think otherwise * Sunscreen and Joe’s are Relay day essentials *People are serious about tug-a-war * It’s not just a 12 hour or a 6 hour event * Grand kids love to help *Some people will change their plans because of Relay  * My projects become his projects * 8 year olds can raise a lot of money * Marshmallow shooters create memories *At 11pm everything tastes good *Adults don’t like to eat baby food  *Adults love inflatables and barrel trains * Everyone’s a kid at Relay * Alligators can be wrestled on the track * The trash always gets picked up * Middle schoolers are actually pretty fun to be around * It’s normal to have 3 showers on Relay day * It’s also normal to not get a shower on Relay day * There is a reason to only have one Relay a year * Strafford knows how to light up a track * Blisters will heal *Vacations after Relay are good, really good * It takes time to recover from Relay *Kids will run a 5K regardless of what shoes they have on * Relay volunteers are tough * Survivors can walk faster than me after 10pm *There are secret survivors among us * There’s more people there than you think * Unity grows on the track * Baptist girls really can dance * Everyone dances when Foot Loose is played * Relay volunteers are flexible * Everything is subject to change * when in doubt- do it anyway  * When you don’t want to do it- do it anyway *A Cure is the goal * People have to experience it to really get it * Relay Fever is real  * and I’m thankful for that there is no cure.