So very thankful for my Dad

It’s almost time!! Tomorrow morning, VERY early in the morning, about 3 a.m., we will hit the road for Montana. It’s a LONG drive!! And the older we get the longer it gets!! But it’s worth it!! Because I get to see my Daddy!! (picture is of Daddy and me)

Daddy has a birthday coming up on the 14th and we will be there with bells on! He is turning 96 this year, still lives on his own with his dog, Whiskey.

I am so thankful for my dad that I thought that perhaps this might get you to thinking about who you are grateful for . . . . we all have someone! I, of course, have my hubby, my kids, and my grandkids. And now we have my father-in-law living with us who is my second dad!!

We had a special celebration when Daddy turned 90, after church. Everyone was there and each of us, my older sister, younger brother, and I shared our special thoughts about Daddy along with our spouses thoughts; Daddy is also thought of very highly by them!!

This is what I wrote:

“Dear Daddy,

I would like you to know how much I love you. I have always looked up to you as my father but have always called you Daddy because you are very special to me.

You gave everything to us that you had to give when we were growing up. You were always quiet and never yelled or got mad at us. I think that is why I always preferred a spanking from Mom over talking to you! I didn’t want to see the disappointment in your eyes. I think that was even harder to face. Even today, I feel the same. You have been the role model for us all and I can only hope to achieve half of what you have achieved.

I want to thank you for being there for me whenever I needed a shoulder to cry on. You have always put things into perspective for me. Do you know, I never realized, until this year when Bethany moved away, how much I must have hurt you and Mom when I left Montana. I am so sorry for causing you pain. You stood by me in my decision and let me try my wings. For that I thank you very much because in my flight I found a very dear man who, in my eyes, is just as wonderful to me as my father was to my mother. I want to thank you and Mom for being such wonderful role models in my life that I was able to choose someone who respects me and loves me for who I am. I can never repay you for that.

You and Mom worked so hard to put things together for us all. I remember the times you worked late into the night making furniture because we didn’t have any. I remember the Christmas when you were in school and Mom and Grandma made all those stuffed animals for us. Did you know that that was one of the best Christmas’ that I can remember? I remember all the work you did to our bedroom in Basin, the little cupboard, table and bunk bed for Susan’s and my dolls. You and Mom kept working every year to come up with something new at Christmas and I treasure every gift, not just because they are pretty, but because you and Mom put so much love into everything you made us. You both worked unselfishly for our benefits and I want you to know how much I appreciate everything you did for us. Even now, you drop everything to make things for us that we ask for.

In your personal lives, you and Mom put us first and held together strong and fast. The keeping of your marriage vows played a very large part in our lives and I know that it wasn’t always easy. Marriage is work but you and Mother always showed each other respect and love and that was one of the greatest gifts that you gave us. Thank you, Daddy.

I know that it was hard to keep going after Mom went to be with the Lord, but you have done so with determination and have shown us that life does go on. You have shown me that faith in the Lord works wonders and have given me a belief that cannot be put aside. Thank you, Daddy, for being you. I could not have been more blessed than having you and Mom as my parents.

Happy Birthday! I love you!!!!

Amy”

So, if you have someone special in your life and it’s been awhile since you told them HOW special they are, do it today. Write a letter, send a card, give them a call and tell them that you love them. Each day is ticking away and we don’t know when that clock is going to stop so don’t wait.

Make the most of what you have and be thankful for it. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

And if you need some writing supplies, cards, or anything else, check out OLA.com!! Wonderful, friendly people and super deals are yours when you shop at OLA.com!! Thank you!