If you know me well, you know that my life is not and has not been all roses and sunshine.
You also know that I experience deep joy.
My dad's birthday is October 11th. He's been gone for 10 years and each year on his birthday, I celebrate him. Only tears of joy on this day.
I was thinking about him this afternoon and I realized that he is the common thread in the tapestry of joy in my life.
A girl marries a man like her daddy. The qualities that Jay have that bring me the most joy and security are qualities that he shares with my dad.
The things that I love most about my relationships with my kids are modeled after the way my dad parented me. He was always for me. He taught me to ask questions and find answers. He encouraged kindness, respect, and empathy. He was fun and funny. Every second of the day, with every fiber of my being, I knew that he loved me and valued me.
My sister and I not only love each other but we enjoy each other and our respective spouses and kids. This is amazing because we couldn't be more different if we tried to be! At Christmas my dad would hang the stockings by political views, far-left to far-right (bro-in-law, sis, dad, me, husband) and there was no tension in this. It was funny and a celebration of differences. He demonstrated that having different opinions has no bearing on how we should treat others or how much love we extend.
Not only did I get to experience him as a father, but as an adult I knew him as a friend. His love was deep, steadfast, passionate, and selfless.
Experiencing the love of my earthly father made the road to understanding the Love of my Heavenly Father a gentle path.
I am overwhelmed that I got to spend 27 years with this man. What a gift!
