I am a Daddy's girl.
I always was a Daddy's girl, and I will always be a Daddy's girl.
I am not only a Daddy's girl, but I am a "Peppermint Twisting, Little Kiddle, fried rice loving, hand holding Daddy's girl". I am a hauling hay in shorts (you're going to regret this Sis), never met a boyfriend he liked, go pick the beans, help your mother take care of your brothers and sisters" Daddy's girl.
I have a Daddy who has always been resilient...and, now that is going to pay off.
My Daddy has cancer....
Today starts his battle against this big "C" and he will win this battle.
For you see, this is my Daddy who battled and won wars agains poverty, family struggles, his own beloved parent's battle with cancer.
Daddy fought battles in Viet Nam which even today he does not speak of.
Daddy fought the blessed, but at times challenging, battle of raising eight children, all of whom are decent, solid, hard working citizens giving back to our communities...
Daddy has fought his own battles...Daddy has fought his children's battles.
Daddy has even fought a neighbor or two's battles.
Daddy has done many things in his life....I fear to name them because I know I will leave something out, but off the top of my head, I can tell you:
Daddy was a much loved husband, father, son, nephew, brother. Daddy was a student, FFA proficient, speach writer and wild at heart young man. Daddy was a daredevil. Daddy was a helicopter pilot, world traveler (going all the way to Germany to get me). Daddy was a preacher, teacher, song leader, communion leader. Daddy was a marathon runner, a fisherman and hunter teaching most of his grandkids to do the same. Daddy was a farmer, a cattle "rancher" and at one time I heard him called "Superman" (wink)
You could dress my Daddy up and introduce him to the President. You could dress my Daddy down and he would chop ice to feed the cows with the best farmer.
When I close my eyes, I can see my Daddy's big hands now marked with "beauty" spots and battle scars from life...the life he gave so lovingly to his family.
When I close my eyes, I can see my Daddy's arms, the ones which hugged me hard when my heart was broken or my feelings hurt.
When I close my eyes, I can see my Daddy's eyes...wise and seasoned with the knowledge which only comes from living long and experiencing much...
When I close my eyes, I can see my Daddy sitting out our old home place's kitchen table. He always was first up in the morning and I was second. On Sundays, he got up and fixed pancakes and breakfast for his family and then sat down to study his Bible, preparing for a sermon, a Bible class lesson and picking out a song or two. I think of all my memories, this kitchen scene lays on my heart the sweetest..
For I have a Daddy who loved and still loves God even more than my mother, my brothers, my sister and me.
I know this because he not only said it...he lived it.
No, Daddy was not perfect. He made mistakes in his life...but, he didn't "become" his mistakes. He lived through them and learned from them.
Daddy told me recently, "Sis...all I can tell you is be the very best person for God you can be. Forgive yourself, forgive others and live the rest of your life for "Him" the best you can".
He told my son during a recent visit, "J..be ready. Poppy is ready. If I were to die today, I have lived a good life, I have acknowledged my faults and sins, I have sought forgiveness, I have lived the best I can...you go do the same". My son was touched....
My Daddy starts his cancer battle today.
I know he will win.
I believe he will win it here on this earth and God will bless him with more days with his family.
But, I also know that he will win it in other ways, because I know he will use this battle to bless others with his faith in an even bigger "Daddy"...the one who holds my Daddy's fate in his hands...and, the one who ultimately is who my Daddy lived for and loved most.
I am a blessed woman...I have a Daddy who loves God, his wife, his family, his friends..and in that order.
I have a Daddy who sees the bigger picture...
I have a Daddy who gives his all to all he does..to all whom he loves..
I have a Daddy who loves my mother.
There is no greater Daddy than mine....(except perhaps to you..yours)
In honor of my Daddy, please stop what you are doing this very moment and give your Daddy a call...tell him you love him. Tell him why.
Blessings on your day,
Lesa
