We go W A Y back … my dad and I.
We met when I was about the age of two years … makes for a bit of pondering, I suppose.
I believe we were meant to be, father and daughter, from our very beginnings. When he proposed marriage, to my mother, he did so with a stipulation … that she allow him to adopt me, as his daughter. Biological similarities could not have made for a more natural, a more comfortable, parent – child relationship.
There is a familiar story that my mother tells of when she and my dad were freshly married, and walking with me. Apparently as she watched the two of us walking ahead of her, she noticed our walks were the same. And then, as we turned towards her, my cheek contained a dimple … just like Dad’s, in just the same cheek … one that she says, had not been there before.
Although I am not a carrier of his DNA … his nurture has had profound effect on my who I am, on what I do, on how I ponder … how I wonder.
He coached my brothers in hockey … I came (at ungodly early morning hours) to watch.
He coached baseball … I learned to keep the score book.
He bought a restaurant … I worked in it … serving and cooking.
I was his sidekick. And from my dad, I learned about commitment, about faithfulness, about honor, about sacrifice and about … wonder …
My dad loved to take us kids, when we were young, to a particular field in late winter/early spring, where the deer would come out of the forest to find food. We would see up to a dozen deer out there … a picture of wonder.
My dad would pick a bouquet of pussy willows, every spring, for my mom (who would place them in a vase, and keep there … until the bouquet of the following spring was given) … a heart of wonder.
My dad would take us for a drive ‘out in the country’ (I guarantee we already LIVED in the country with a population under 1700) in the autumn to see the rolling hills of spectacular yellow, golden and RED foliage … eyes that could see wonder!
It is through my dad’s unswerving choice to love me, as his own, that I can fully understand the love of God, my Father. His love has been, and continues to be unconditional, and eternal … what better model could I have to know and understand that God’s love is just that, as well?
“Any man can be a father.
It takes someone special to be a dad.”
Author Unknown
Updated, November 27, 2019
Just two days ago his family held him, touched his baby soft hair, blessed him, whispered I love you, shed tears from the depths of our souls … as we said good bye to him in a hospital bed.
Yet,
as long as we live, his heart will continue to beat in our chests.
Wow, what a wonderful testimony of a Father’s love! – thanks for sharing. 🙂
It is so easy to share … he is such a gift to my life.
Carole
I considered your father a friend, an important part of my community – he was always welcoming and kind – one of the good guys. Sorry for your loss Carole
To whomever you are, thanks for taking the time to share this with me.
Carole
Thanks so much for sharing these words. What a testimony of a father’s love. He was so proud of each of his children and grandchildren.
Thanks Katherine ❤️
Fathers like yours will live in your heart for ever
Most definitely he will Mr Estabrooks!
Carole
The love you have for your Dad just shines through your words. Not everyone is lucky to have Dad’s like yours and mine. We will always miss them. Hugs to you.
We are so blessed Barb! We got the good ones!
Carole
So so beautiful ,and i can so relate to this whole story. Love you all !
Thanks Mary-Anne 🙂
Carole
Such beautiful memories of your Dad. Thank you touching my heart with the wonder that is your Dad😘
Thanks Candy. He was my hero, a gem in my life. God was so good to give him to me, me to him.
Carole
What a beautiful picture of our other Father – God, who has adopted us and loved us every step of the way.
Just as you resembled your dad solely through loving him and spending time with him, may we have a “family resemblance” from the time spent with our Father in heaven. I’m so grateful to Jesus, whose atoning death made this relationship possible.
Blessings.
Family resemblance is a beautiful gift. When our resemblance is Christ, it is evidence of our becoming less like ourselves, more like him!
Blessings to you this Christmas!
Carole