My dad isn’t perfect…but he sure has done a heck of a good job at being a father, a husband and an overcomer.
Dad, you are so so strong. Your strength physically just blows me away, just when we think radiation could have brought you down, you still rose up to the challenge and overcame physical challenges with what seemed like ease.
Dad, you are kind. Wow, I have never met (and probably never will) meet anyone as hospitable and welcoming as you. You meet no stranger and you make everyone feel as though they are, not just a million, but a billion bucks! You invite people in, you entertain them and love on them in unique, silly and fun ways.
Dad, you are faithful. You are 1st, faithful to God. When life gets you down, you always come back to your Savior no matter how tough the situation may be. You are faithful to mom. You have shown me over the years what to do and what not to do and I’m so very thankful for that.
Dad, you are a teacher. Shoot! You have taught me so much. From how to shoot a gun, set up a tent, roll up a sleeping bag the fastest, catch a fish, be a grill master (I haven’t mastered that one yet) and just love well, you know how to teach. You do so many things so well and I’m thankful to even have a piece of your knowledge and expertise! 😉
Dad, I have seen these things in you over and over throughout my life and although you’re not perfect, I wouldn’t ever want any other father.
But y’all…one of the main things my dad is, is a fighter. As most of you know, he fought cancer about 4 years ago — squamous cell carcinoma, in his mouth. He conquered it like a champ and changed so many peoples lives as he walked the halls of MD Anderson, shared the Gospel and a smile and just loved people how he does — so well.
He fought, he conquered.
Just last week, my dad went in for surgery. All of his checkup scans had come back clean for months and we were thankful…but the pain wasn’t subsiding. The doctors decided to do an exploratory surgery a few days ago.
The cancer is back.
But let me tell you…my dad is a FIGHTER. Despite things that could, and in all honesty should, bring him down, he continues to trust the Lord. The results weren’t what we would have hoped or thought.
It’s hard.
It sucks (especially being 1/2 way across the world).
But in one of his texts to me, dad said,
‘God’s got this and what he wants to happen is best. I’ll be along for the ride and he can plan it out and tell me what to do.’
Those are the words of a FIGHTER.
Those are the words of a FAITHFUL SON.
Those are the words of someone who TRUSTS.
And that is my dad.
Dad, today and every day I want to honor you, I want to love you, I want to respect you.
I love you. I’m in this ride with you.
Happy Father’s Day.
