Fathers and for fathers

   I was brought to tears this morning by a very simple text. Maybe it's the pregnancy hormones but it's also just the sure fact that I love my dad so much.  I had texted my father that I would be dropping my son off around lunch to run to an appointment.  My father is not a texter but he quickly responded "I'll be here, love dad".

   I am so grateful for the moments I have with him since we almost lost him around 7 year ago due to health problems.  God has healed him and not only physically but I think he healed a lot emotionally.  He was always a loving father, strict as a dad should be, maybe not the most easy to talk to but every now and then great wisdom would pour out just when you needed to hear it.  He had a rough childhood so it's pretty amazing he turned into the old softie he is now.

    I remember that dark night in the ICU when he was unresponsive, the priest had been called in for last rites and I stood over him, praying for his return while comforting my moms avalanche of tears.  I heard him speak to me- soul to soul... He said "tell your mom I'm ok.  I love you cutie"

    "Cutie" is my dads term for me, and I have now found myself calling my own son that near and dear term.   I can't explain the peace I had after I heard that, knowing that he was going to be ok no matter what.  On a positive note he did end up making it through that night and is here 7 years later living the rest of his life out. 

  I know the day will come, and it's not that far away when he will be taken to heaven and we will shed many tears but I am also so grateful for the life he gave me, the wisdom he has taught me and the love he has shown me.

  I am who I am because of his direction in my life.  I love you dad, with all my heart.