Any time someone asks me what I miss the most while being on the race, my answer is always the same.
My family.
While there are days when homesickness doesn’t even cross my mind, there are also days when it does, and I miss them terribly.
Well, if you haven’t already figured it out, today is one of those days. It’s kind of funny, though, because today is actually a wonderful day. Today is a day to celebrate!
Today is my dad’s birthday!
Woot woot!
Yay for Michael Imig!
It’s just…once again I am pained that I am unable to celebrate this special day with the one I love in person. I so just wish I could see my dad and give him a great big hug right now. Since I can’t and since I can’t mail him a model car or a gift card to Best Buy, a blog dedicated to him will have to suffice.
So, dad (aka Fajah, George, Old Mose, etc.), this one’s for you! Like I did with mother, I thought I’d express some special thanks to you for certain things.
Thank you for…
…all the times you took me to Claire’s, waiting for eternity as I tried to figure out what to spend my whole $5 on.
…all the times you drove us girls to places – you truly enjoyed it, you never made it feel like a burden, and I could tell it made you happy simply to be with us.
…all the times you let me have a “sip” of your Coke (when in reality I would end up drinking at least half of it while leaving accidental backwash).
…all the times you took us to “Butter the Park”, and wait as we’d play on the playground for hours on end.
…for peer-editing my papers all the way up through college, even if that meant losing some sleep or time for yourself.
…for teaching me your ways of silliness and random humor that I love OH so much (I always tell others, “If you think I’m strange or funny, you should meet my dad!”).
…all of our long and meaningful discussions on faith, the church, and music. I treasure those talks.
…always being patient with me when I’m PMS-ing, and asking if I have enough chocolate on hand.
…all the times when I’d call home, worrying about finances or other things while at Olivet, you’d simply say, “It will all be okay – I’ll take care of it.” Those words alone truly made everything okay in those moments.
…for always telling others how proud you are of your daughters.
…and most importantly, for being the best earthly father I could ever have.
No, I’m not exaggerating. Were I to tell you this in person, I know you would respond with, “I wish I could have done more.” I just want to shake my head and let you know that you’ve done more than enough. As time goes by I realize more and more just how blessed I am to have you for a father. I thank the Lord for you and mom, for you both have been the best earthly examples (aside from Jesus, of course) of unconditional love. I’ve never had to worry or even think twice about you guys not loving me. I can only pray that I will be as patient, gentle, and loving with my kids one day as you have been with me.
Now, to your special day:
I hope it’s been a good one thus far. You will most likely be at work when this is posted…and speaking of work, I hope it isn’t stressful today. I hope your back and feet don’t cause you any issues today. I hope you celebrate this great day with the fam. I hope you eat some good vanilla ice cream tonight. And most importantly, I hope you feel the Lord’s love for you on this special day. I pray He showers it all over you.
Words will never be enough to tell you how much I love you. You truly are a wonderful father. 🙂
I love you. I miss you. Happy Birthday, dad!!!
