Signora Sheila

Today I’m looking back, way back. Yesterday was Dad’s birthday and he would have been 87. He died last year, just 4 days before his 86th birthday. I still miss him and always will. Especially because of all the years we lost. All my years overseas, so far away from my family.

It’s not that I regret my years abroad. They were rich, full and so blessed. But I can’t help but miss all the years I missed with my family and the experiences we could have shared.

So I’m looking back at the memories I was able to share with them. I’m looking back at the past and remembering how many shared memories I have to cherish.

I remember…

I remember trips to the beach, when Dad would take us to Lake Michigan every summer to get fresh sand for our sandbox. A true Michigander, he always said there was no finer sand than Lake Michigan’s. A born and bred Michigander, but also one at heart.

I remember ball games and picnics with potato salad, one of his favorites. He was convinced that Mom made the most delicious potato salad in the world. And I’d have to agree. I’ve never been able to make it as good.

And his deer hunting trips, when all the men in the family headed north into the big woods in the cold November snow. So much exuberant preparation, like a little boy going on his first camping trip. Sleeping in a cold tent under the snow did not deterred them one bit!

I remember helping him with his electrical work, pulling wires for him. He would always praise us for a job well done. And I can still hear him saying, “Anything worth doing is worth doing right the first time,” and “Always do your best.”

Looking back, I realize how much wisdom I received from him, without even knowing it. But I always knew how much he loved me. He showed it in so many ways.

True riches

My childhood was rich, and I cherish so many wonderful memories. Playing in the fields and in the woods. Searching for kittens in our hawmow. Trips to many of Michigan’s smaller lakes and swimming in the Flat River. Christmases where magic reigned. These were gifts I would never trade for anything.

But most of all, I know that I was richly blessed with the love of such a caring father. Always safe in his loving care.

And looking back now, see how his love prepared me to receive an even greater love – that of my Heavenly Father. It wasn’t difficult to transfer my trust from one to the other. I was already convinced that a good father is a special gift.

I’ll always miss you, Dad. But I look forward to the day when we meet again. Thank you for who you were and everything you did. Thank you for giving me the gift of a true dad.

Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in his commandments! His offspring will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.

Psalm 112:1-2

📷 Image credits: beach