A Father’s Day Tribute To My Dad

Being Father’s Day weekend, I have naturally been thinking a lot about my Dad. Although I think about my Dad every day. For those of you who are new to my blog, my Dad went to be with our Lord five years ago after a very courageous battle with cancer.

When someone is so very dear to you, who holds such a special place in your heart, where do you even begin? My Dad was amazing! Even though I’m his daughter, I know I’m not exaggerating — everyone loved to be around my Dad! He was a loving husband and dad, he could always make me laugh, he always greeted me with a smile, he was extremely intelligent, but equally humble. He was a gentleman, he was always willing to help others, and I love that he would root for the underdog.

One of my favorite pictures of my Dad standing by his airplane …

I have so many wonderful stories and memories to share about him! Since it is Father’s Day, I thought it would be appropriate to share some of my favorite times with my Dad — even though there are thousands!

Growing up in California, my Dad worked often worked swing shift. Because he had to commute in traffic, he had to leave for work before I got home from school, and I was already fast asleep when he arrived home — but he made certain that each and every weekend was special! We had a ritual of always getting ice-cream cones, and my Dad always took me to a particular ice cream shop that scooped huge scoops of ice-cream! He always encouraged me to get the double scoop so I could try two flavors, and if I couldn’t finish it, at least I had the wonderful experience of two flavors simultaneously running down my chin!

We made candy together, baked together, ran errands to the car parts store together, and I loved helping him work on his 1971 yellow Volkswagen Beetle! We watched football games, took donuts from the bakery to my grandparent’s house and often went for rides in the “bug” (Volkswagen Beetle) together with my Mom.

Years later, when I was old enough to drive, my Dad taught me how to drive stick-shift in the Volkswagen, then gave me the car when I turned eighteen. I still have that cute little car and think of my Dad each and every time I drive it!

On one particular outing, he was teaching me to shift gears on hills without stalling the car or rolling it backwards. Always encouraging and good-natured, my Dad stayed calm and had me laughing through my tears as I would stall the car more often than I could count! When I finally got the hang of it, my Dad rejoiced with me. Bringing joy to others was one of my Dad’s greatest gifts.

~A happy heart makes the face cheerful … Proverbs 15:13

Dad and I on my Wedding Day …

God truly blessed me with such a wonderful Dad, and I am forever thankful. I love and miss him so much, and I rejoice knowing that one day we will see each other again!

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ~John 3:16

Happy Father’s Day, Dad — you’re the best!