Jean was visiting her neighbor Shirley at her house next door. As they chatted Jean felt a little strange, then it happened, her second child was ready to see the world. "You better get to the hospital!" Shirley warned, the urgency in her voice. Jean's husband Paul didn't waste much time and soon they were welcoming their precious little boy into this world, Gary Michael.
A lot has changed since that day, 68 years ago. That little boy is no longer the precious baby in his mother's arms, but rather a grown man with children of his own. I didn't know him all those years ago, but I know him now in ways that few ever will, because I am his daughter. Though our time together has been broken up over the years, much of who I am is because of this man. I could write the same of my dear mother, and so much more, but that's for another time. This tribute is for the first man in my life who encouraged me, corrected me, listened to me, appreciated me, held me, and who most of all loved me. Dad wasn't perfect, he messed up, he didn't know how to be a father, but he tried, he did the best he knew. And for that, despite all the shortcomings, I'm grateful. If there is one thing that I never needed to question, that was beyond a shadow of a doubt, it was that Dad loved me and believed in me. There were times when he didn't understand my choices, when he didn't approve of my decisions, but I knew he just wanted the best for me. He made sure I knew his thoughts, but in the end, he let me live my life and find my way. Through the years Dad would tease me, "you're my number one daughter," to which I would always reply, "I'm your ONLY daughter." I owe so much to this man--my humor, my love of words, my sense for money, my heritage, my love for time, my interest in people, and the list goes on...I am my father's daughter. Yes, sometimes that isn't so good and I've had to recognize my weaknesses, but also my strengths. Whether we like it or not, we are a reflection of our parents. Our challenge is to take the good and shun the bad. Today I want to acknowledge the good. So Dad, thank you for all that you have given me. The coming years will hold new challenges, life is ever changing, but no matter what, you will always be my first and dearly loved dad! No one can ever take that place in my heart. My prayer for your new year is that you will know God's redeeming grace personally, that you will walk with Him sincerely, and that His love will transform your life and make it into something more beautiful than you could have ever dreamed. Happy Birthday! I love you!
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This little one...four years ago she became my first violin student. At times I wondered if she would be my last too. It wasn't easy. I felt far from qualified to fill the position as her teacher, and she felt far from willing to rise to the challenge of learning the instrument. It was hard. We both wanted to give up, but we kept going through tears and smiles. Four years later she's still playing, and I'm still teaching (now to 7 other students). While I am no longer her violin teacher she will always have a special place in my heart. She has been the subject of countless prayers, not just for playing the violin, but for becoming all that God wants her to be. Today on her 13th birthday, this is what I want to say......
Dearest A---, I’ll never forget the day your dad came up to me in the ---- chapel and asked if I would teach you violin. I felt far from qualified for the job, but he was persistent. Thus began our journey together, you learning the violin, me learning to teach. It was a process. We both definitely had our challenges, we both wanted to give up at times, but we didn’t! Four years later I sit back and rejoice in the progress you have made and woman you are becoming. Even though those weekly lessons were far from easy, I wouldn’t trade that time with you. You were my first violin student, my special little friend. Now you are entering a new phase of life. You’re growing up. There will be new challenges to face. Things won’t be easy, but as you have done with the violin, keep pressing forward. Never let the difficulties overcome you. With the strength of Jesus you can conquer every trial and master every challenge. God has a special place for you in His service. He has given you many talents and gifts. Use them to honor Him and you will be blessed. Always remember that you are of infinite value. Have a very happy birthday and a wonderful new year! |
SolominaEverything in life has meaning. There's a lesson in every object, every situation, every process. I want to go deeper, in a higher way. I want to listen, to understand, to know. Archives
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