Dear Dad,
You know that picking out greeting cards is mom and Betsie’s thing. Hallmark is not my friend, so here it goes… Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Well Daddy-O, that’s just what you’ve done. Over the years whether you knew it or not, I was watching, learning, and modeling my behavior after yours. When thinking about the characteristics I have come to love about you, these are just a few…
Service- You have shown me what it means to serve, your country and your family, placing others before yourself. When we moved to the single family home in Fairfax Station, I knew it wasn’t your favorite, but you made it work for us girls so we could have opportunities we wouldn’t have had otherwise.
Generosity- You have always shown me what it looks like to give of your time, talents, and finances. I was so impressed when you dropped everything, drove cross country to give your parents the RAV-4 so they could have an easier time getting in and out of a vehicle.
Financial Responsibility- You have modeled what it means to be a good steward of money. So many young people have already accumulated an exorbitant amount of debt, school and car loans looming over them just as they’re starting out. Thanks to your example, I am debt free. You showed me what it looks like to live comfortably within my means, save for the future, and the importance of tithing.
Family- You have demonstrated a love for your family and placed high importance on relationships. I know it can be difficult having your mom, brothers, and sisters so far away. Over the past several years I’ve watched as you have become closer and it’s been so special to see the significance of those relationships.
Faith- You place God first. This is the biggest gift a girl could have, a father who is lead by the Father.
Thank you for leading me through life! And thank you for especially supporting me during this next chapter. Without your example of serving others, giving generously, financial stewardship, and valuing people over things, I probably wouldn't have had the courage to take this leap of faith and join the World Race.
I love you very much!
Boo 🙂
