Today is a
very special day. As you all may know, it is Valentine’s Day. I happen to love
Valentine’s Day… not because I like the cheesy gifts or receiving candy
(although I do love candy) but because Valentine’s Day is the day I get to
celebrate the man I love most in the world: my dad. You see, February 14 is my
dad’s birthday. In my family, we always say all the hearts and festivities are
for him. I always loved that his birthday was celebrated all over the world and
decorations were everywhere! And instead of cake, my mom would always make a
cherry pie with hearts cut out of the crust. This year, I am very far from home
and I am not able to eat that pie with my dad in. And so I decided to write
this blog post for him, so that everyone may know the best guy in the world, who
has filled my life with so much love.
My dad has
always been a very active father and deeply involved in my life. He has always
been there for me: every band and choir concert, every tennis match. Even when
he started a new job in Ohio my senior year of high school, he would make the
hour and a half drive for all of my tennis matches. And in college, when I
wasn’t involved with music or athletics, my dad made it a priority to come down
to visit me in Virginia, just to spend time and know the place where I was
living. Growing up, every summer my family would go on vacation. I look back on these times
with such fondness. One of my favorite times would be when my dad would make up
stories around the campfire. I used to think they were the best and that my dad
was brilliant for being to make them up on the spot. Looking back, I realize
that they weren’t all that great, but to a little kid, I was introduced to
magical worlds with lot of funny named characters. Even back then, my dad was
my hero.
As I have
grown older, I have come to have so much respect with the ways I was brought
up. I am a pastor’s daughter, but my parents have never pushed their faith on
me. They have allowed me the space to question and grow. In recent times, I
have talked a lot about my doubts with my dad. He doesn’t ever give me answers,
but listens so intently and helps me ask the right questions. Even in times
when we differ, he always listens and always loves. I know I can say anything to
him because his love for me will never change. He always encourages and is
quick to remind me of how proud he is of me. Even during school when I have
pressured myself to be perfect, the pressure never came from my parents. They
wanted me to succeed and do well, but were the first to tell me that getting
straight A’s was not the most important thing in life. My mentor from college
once told me that my dad is very wise man and she is right. My dad might not
have all the answers, but he has so much love, grace, and experience that his
advice is always extremely valuable.
And day by
day he continues to amaze me with his wisdom and ability to continue in hard
times. In September, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. This was a really hard
realization to deal with . But instead of getting really down, my dad preached
this in his first sermon after coming back to work...
“The Parkinson’s
diagnosis was not only a shock but a game changer. Our lives would never be the
same. I wondered if my ministry was over. I never thought my 61st
year of life would bring me a chronic illness for which there is no cure. I
cried out to God and felt abandoned by God and sometimes it seemed like I was
all alone. After much reflection and prayer, I began to see that Parkinson’s
was not a death knell but an opportunity to look at my life in a new way and
see clearly what is basic and important in life. …. [Like the Israelites in
Jeremiah] we all have our exiles to live with. Things we can’t really change
but must live with. Some exiles are bigger than others. But in any exile we
have the choice. We have the choice to become bitter or better… Jeremiah
challenges the Jews in captivity, and us, -- to embrace the place where we find ourselves, and find ways to be faithful in our living, so that others
might inquire about our inspiration, our
resolve, and our trust, and thereby be drawn into relationship with God.”
Dad, you are
my hero. I am amazed everyday by your incredible love and wisdom. I know
sometimes you have self-doubt, but I have seen first-hand how you bless all
those around you. You are truly an inspiration and I know God exists when I see
your life. I love you so much and wish that I could be there celebrating with
you. I wish you the best day and may the year ahead be filled with much love
and happiness. And always remember that even though I am far, far away, I will
always be your little girl. Happy Birthday and a very Happy Valentine's Day!
 |
| My dad and I in October when I flew to Europe. |
 |
| My dad and I years ago. |
No comments:
Post a Comment