I’ve had him wrapped around my finger since August 10, 1989.
But not in the “I can make him do whatever I want” kind of way. (Well, except that time he “gave” me the three wheeler when Brandon got a dirt bike for his birthday… He didn’t actually give it to me – something I’m still bitter about. YOU OWE ME A THREE WHEELER, POPS.) Anyways, not in that manipulative way, but rather having his heart tied to mine since the moment I was born through our special connection and the many similarities we share.
If anyone ever asked me when I was young who I wanted to marry, I’d say someone like my daddy, and that fact hasn’t changed. My dad loves The Lord and he’s quick to tell others what God has done for him. He is strong, physically and mentally. He’s a sharp shooter. He loves selflessly and always goes out of his way to help someone in need. He’s a leader who others want to follow. He’s ridiculously hardworking. He’s protective and would die before someone touched his wife or kids. He loves music. He’s an incredible storyteller and cracks me up. Despite living in serious pain for the last 5 years due to a back injury, His trust and hope is in Jesus Christ and His perfect plan. His mind works to formulate solutions to problems. My dad can do anything, build anything, fix anything. He’s more than handy, He’s innovative and brilliant. I’ve never found anything he can’t fix, whether it be replacing an EGR valve in my car or rewiring a lamp I paid 50 cents for at Goodwill or mending my broken heart from casting it out too freely, he has always been there and ready to heal and repair.
My dad had to learn a lot of things on his own when he was young because he lost his father when he was 7 years old. He promised himself that he would always be there for his kids and also prepare us for life without him. My dad is one of the best teachers I know, and has always been eager to pass along what he knows to Brandon and I, to make sure we were able to be self-sufficient and independent. Whether it be replacing disc brakes or sighting in a scope or building a dune buggy, he is quick to instruct and patient to explain. My dad has taught me so much and I haven’t even scratched the surface of what I can learn from him.
Dad is not perfect but he’s redeemed. He may not have always made all the right choices, but he’s a lifelong learner. And as many broken families and neglected children and fatherless homes I’ve encountered on my journey, I am blown away by how very blessed I am to have two incredible parents who have loved me and my brother radically.
I’ve missed my dad a lot this year and I know it still doesn’t compare to how much he’s missed me. Sometimes I feel sorry that my dad got a daughter who is wild, free, uncaged, and called to the nations because I know he would be much happier if I remained safe and sound at home forever. But then I remember that he wouldn’t change a thing about me, because that wild blood running through my veins is his. And because serving, loving, and doing is something my parents have modeled for me and engrained in me my entire life. And he believes in me enough to let me go.
So Pops, here’s to you. That string you’re wrapped up in is still there, just a little longer now. Thank you and Mom for loving me and teaching me so much. Happy Father’s Day and Happy Birthday from Zambia, Dad! I love you!
