He Should Be Here

Lately, many wonderful opportunities in the track arena have opened up for the Prince. He won the 200m at the State Special Olympic Games, came in first in the 100m, 200m, and 400m at a Paralympics Invitational, has qualified for the National Junior Disability Championships, and was recognized by the School District for his first place finishes. The Prince has some wonderful opportunities to become more active in Paralympic sports, to include goalball, and has been told he is a natural at the sport.

His daddy should be here to see it.

In the last couple of years, the Prince and his dad had conflicts due to normal teenage issues, but their bond was growing stronger as the years passed. Mark wanted his son to work harder at school, to fulfill his potential, and while the two of them argued quite a bit, the love was there. The night before Mark had his stroke, he told me that all he wanted was for his children to be happy. If that meant the Prince stayed focused on video games, so be it. He just wanted to be able to watch his children enjoy life.

Mark would be proud of his son. The Prince has pushed hard to become better at running, and is determined to train more. He worked hard to pass algebra, coming out with a higher grade than expected. While the Prince is still fighting his blindness, he is starting to learn to utilize more of the tools available to him, and he is determined to do better.

I shed tears tonight. Some out of pride for all my son has overcome and all he has accomplished. But more were because his dad, my husband, isn't here to see it.

Not sure where the blessing is in this situation tonight.

Happy Father's Day!

My dad and his favorite item - the coffee maker

I am unabashedly a daddy's girl. Even at the age of 42. My mother, to this day, gets irritated with me because she says I always take his side. But when you have a dad like mine, you can't help but be his biggest fan! There are so many reasons why he's a great father, and one reason is no better than another, so here is a Top Ten of why I am, with a capital "D," a Daddy's Girl:

1. Even at my advanced age and no longer fit this nickname, he will still call me "Runt" sometimes. That tickles me!
2. He is the only coach that would consistently put me in the softball game. Even though I was horrible, and even at game-winning times knowing I am not even close to being the best player. My dad did this because he believes in fair play, and letting everyone have a chance to contribute. Not a bad lesson to learn as a young girl.
3. The summer between my junior/senior year in college, I decided that I didn't like my major, and wanted to switch. Instead of telling how foolish that would be, Dad listened to my reasons, explored the pros and cons, and let me decide for my self what to do. Patience and practicality - another good lesson.
4. When my grandpa (my mom's dad) died, my sister was going to take me to Iowa for the funeral, but I didn't want to wait the extra day or two to go. I wanted to get to my grandma sooner than that. My dad drove hours out of his way to come and get me from college. It wasn't the first time he did something like that, and it wasn't the last. He always shows his love for his children.
5. He is giving my children memories that are similar to those I treasure of my grandpa - teaching them to fish, spending special time with them. My dad is the best grandpa for them!
6. For a time when I was in middle school/early high school, my dad did the grocery shopping after he picked me up from piano lessons on Saturday morning. Rare was the time that he couldn't be talked into a candy bar (my mom never could be talked into that!). It made up for the generic potato chips.
7. My church youth group was never turned away from my house - my dad was always willing to make up a huge batch of popcorn for whomever came over.
8. Need a door knob fixed? Dad can do that. Heavy pictures hung? I can count on my dad for that, too. He's also good with moving heavy items, helping to pick out cars, fix screen doors, and changing garage light bulbs. There is very little he can't figure out.
9. When I was a Peace Corps volunteer, my parents were supposed to come visit me. My mom was a bit nervous about travelling to a third-world country, but my dad said he was coming no matter what. Always up for an adventure, that is my dad.
10. This sort of goes along with the above, but no matter what, my dad is there for me. Whenever I call in panic, he listens and advises - but he advises only if asked. He will stay there with me through very hard situations, and he will stand in for me. Four months ago, he helped me through the worst situation I could be in, and he stayed calm and rational to be my rock.

My dad shows faith in action. He is a man who might not talk much about his faith, but you know what it means to him by his actions, by his manners, by how he treats and helps others. There are so many reasons why he is a great man, I could not do him justice. But if you have the good fortune to meet him, you will see in a moment why no superlative could do him justice. Can you tell I love my dad?!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY, DAD! YOU ARE LOVED!!!