Tribute to my Dad

January was a very busy month. After returning home from visiting family, I ended up returning a week later to spend a week with my mom and dad before my dad passed away on January 10. It was a very sad time, but also joyous. My dad battled an incurable cancer for nine years. So even though we knew this would happen eventually, it did not make it any easier. I am also positive that he is healthy and whole up in heaven with Jesus.

It was inspiring to hear the many stories of all the lives my dad touched. As his daughter, I knew he was always busy helping people. The story of the preschool needing supplies and they just show up paid for, or the elderly woman who needed help with a small project and he would do it and not ask for any money. From helping people through many missions trips to lending a hand to a neighbor, my dad lived a life that showed what it means to be the arms and feet of Jesus.

He was also a Boy Scout Master for over twenty years. Imagine all the boys lives he influenced in that time. He was strict and somewhat "old school" as I heard mentioned more than once, but he made a huge impact in many lives.

Aside from all the good he did, he was just my dad. I had a great relationship with him. When he was diagnosed with cancer nine years ago, I started calling my dad every day while my mom was working to check on him. The phone calls never stopped and we talked almost every day for nine years. We only missed a few days, probably because he was out of the country helping other people. He always encouraged me in everything I did and urged me to do whatever I dreamed. He taught me to not let other people put me in a box and tell me I couldn't do something, but to reach for the stars.

When I was in younger, dad used to make silly bets with me about grades, sports, whatever was relevant at the time. It was usually so outrageous that I never had a chance to win. In track, I had been having a bad year and he bet me a new radio (boom box at that time) that I couldn't beat a fast time. I beat it! The first thing I said to him was, "You owe me a radio!" Being a person who seldom laughed, I actually think he chuckled at that. And yes, he did pay up on his debt!

I will always have many great memories of my dad. I am glad my kids got to know their "Poppy". He even joined them for his first and only tea party with them this past year. I included a video we made for his 65th birthday last year(2008).

One day we will be reunited and celebrate eternity together with our heavenly Father. I can't wait!