My Dad

 When you become an adult, you often begin to wonder and then realize why you are the way you are. For instance, I've always had this desire, intrinsically, to work hard. I like to get things done and get them done right. I'm usually religiously on time or early, punctual. I worry about things and think about things that I've learned lots of other don't. I feel it necessary to be kind to everyone, no matter what they look like or who they are, and I am usually a pretty friendly person who smiles a lot. I'm not saying all of this to brag on myself, I am saying it because these are the things I learned from my dad. 

If you know my dad, you know he doesn't play favorites. He chooses the right thing even when it's not popular, and he's one of the most honest and kindhearted people I know. He may seem intimidating at times, but that is just his "old-school" way of being a man. When it comes down to it, he'd give the shirt off his back to help someone, and he will always be around when you need him. He seemed to be running for an election when he was at MD Anderson because of his social nature. Even  though he was going through something seriously trying and painful, he always had a smile and a kind word for those he came across.

I've seen my dad on top of the world and I've seen my dad in the lowest of valleys. Dad has always been great at whatever he's done in his life because he's always put his heart and soul into his ventures and worked hard to achieve excellence. He was a pro-golfer when I was a kid, and even after losing some vision after his histoplasmosis and going through cancer and extreme weight loss, he's still better than most! He's also been a salesman for Izod and Coca-Cola, a Recreation Director for the City of Vicksburg, and most recently, a full-time Alderman. His heart was set on making the place he called home beautiful, successful, and safe for his family and friends, and his heart was often broken when things didn't turn out the way he'd hoped. He's the true picture of a good, honest man who was often beat down by the crooked and ugly ways of the world. No matter what, he's always come out on top because he maintained his morals and values regardless of  the cost. He is who he is, and I am so glad he's been a constant in my life...someone I can always count on. He's shown me a lot about who God really is because no matter what, he's always loved me and he's always stood by me. As a teacher, I often see the results of a fatherless or a "not so good father" in the home. I know exactly how blessed I am to have a father like I have, and I understand a great part of the impact he's had on my life and who I've become as an adult. The Bible says the following:

Psalm 103:13 As a father has compassion on his children,; Proverbs 17:27 A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered.; Ephesians 6:4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.;Joshua 1:9 Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.; Proverbs 22:6 - "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it."; Genesis 18:19 - "For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, so that the LORD will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him."

All of these things....they remind me of my dad. He's the father of a fireman/paramedic/nurse, a teacher, and a worship minister, and the kind of man many can admire. He may not know everything (don't tell him that), but he knows how to be a great dad. For him, I am extremely thankful! 

Happy Father's Day Dad! 

It's so funny to see  how things change when a man becomes a Papaw! Those tough guys become complete "softies" when it comes to grandchildren.