~*~For my Dad~*~

My Dad...for as long as I can remember, he's been one of my favorite people on Earth! He's smart, wise, full of great advice, the best listener and funnier than all get out! Put the two of us together and it's a laugh-a-thon and most times we're not even sure why!

He's the kind of Dad you can go to when you just want to talk or you have a problem that needs fixing...never too busy for his kids.

I learned to look *up* from my Dad. To this day, I'm a stargazer. I inherited a love of walking from my Dad. I love a good thunderstorm - and the more thunder and lightening, the better! Thanks, Dad!!

He and my Mom have lived lives of service to others. Never bragging, never publicizing what they've done. My Dad is a very private person and keeps his good deeds to himself - between he and his God. But I've watched my whole life - more than half a century now. And I hope I've learned well. He's still teaching and I'd like to think I'm still paying attention!

Happy Father's Day to my Dad. He and my Mom were my first best gifts from the Lord. Called me blessed!

Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
Ephesians 6:4 NIV

A girl's first best friend

Long before anyone else enters the picture, a girl's best friend is her Mom. Confidante, playmate, defender, teacher...you name it, Mom is it!

Everything I know about being a woman, a friend, a wife and a Mom, I have learned from my Mother. She taught the the BEST way - by example.

On Tuesday, May 31st around 6:00 in the morning, the Lord called my Mom Home.

God looked around his garden
and found an empty place
He then looked down upon this earth
and saw your tired face
He put his arms around you
and lifted you to rest
God’s garden must be beautiful
He always takes the best
He knew that you were suffering
He knew you were in pain
He knew that you would never
get well on earth again
He saw that the road was getting rough
and the hills are hard to climb
So he closed your weary eyelids
and whispered, “Peace be thine”

I used to live in fear of losing my Mother. Until I lost my Sweet Hubby. Somehow, since then...loss has taken on a new meaning for me. So when I kissed my Mom goodbye Tuesday morning, I told her to be sure and dance with my sweetie for me. I have no doubt he was there to greet her along with the parents she has missed for so very long. I smile when I think of the reunion it must have been!

Years ago, I thought I would have my Sweet Hubby to lean on during this time in my life. But that was not the Lord's plan for me. Instead, I take comfort in the knowledge that one glorious day we'll all be together again. And I give thanks to my Savior for blessing me with the both of them.

*Please scroll down and pause player before watching video*

My son, obey your father's commands, and don't neglect your mother's instruction. Keep their words always in your heart. Tie them around your neck. When you walk, their counsel will lead you. When you sleep, they will protect you. When you wake up, they will advise you. For their command is a lamp and their instruction a light; their corrective discipline is the way to life.
Proverbs 6:20-23 NLT