This blog is about the man who used to tie my shoes when I was two. It’s about the man who took me out for ice cream after I split my head open when I was little. A man who taught me to love football and how to drive a stick shift. This blog is about the man I was proud to call my dad.
His birthday was several days ago, and I just want to honor him by telling you a little bit about his life from my perspective.
My dad loved to learn. Whether it was cars, guitar, people, the Bible, he was constantly discovering new things and diving deeper. One of my favorite things my dad was that he was never content with the knowledge that he had.
My dad had a genuine love for people. He was one of the best listeners I have ever known. He thought about what he said before he said it…when he spoke, people listened. He was gifted with wisdom beyond his years and his experiences.
His priorities were well defined — God always came first. I remember being mad at my dad when I was a kid because we always had to leave my cousins’ birthday parties early to get to church on a Sunday night. I remember spending Sunday afternoons at homeless shelters, sorting clothes and prepared meals. Now, I am beyond thankful for the foundation he gave me.
When I was a junior in high school, I wanted to be a part of a program in Detroit to teach English to Hispanic people to help them in the job market. At first, my dad wouldn’t let me go because it was too dangerous, but then he decided he would just take me himself. My dad and I went every single Thursday night, even when he had a million things to do or when he was tired from working all day. He never once complained, he even tried teaching himself.
Dad,
I was beyond blessed to have you as my father for the first 19 years of my life. You were my very first example of what a passionate Christian man should look like, and I can’t thank you enough for that. I will forever miss you and love you. Your attitude and your character taught me more than you will ever know. I don’t think you ever knew what a spiritual giant you were. Your support throughout my life meant the world to me. I love you dad.
Love,
Alicia
