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Tributes to Dad
Continued …
Oupa
Here in South Africa we also pay tribute to our fathers on Father's Day. Having lost my own father at the age of seven, it is my grandfather whom I honour on this special day.
In many ways my grandfather stepped into the shoes and role his late son left. I thought my Oupa, as I called him, was the cleverest man around. He had the most amazing knowledge about South Africa, the towns, cities, the history, agriculture, and animals. Oupa was an expert when it came to identifying snakes and trees — but that's not surprising as he worked as a forester for the Lion Match Company all his life, spending most of his days in the bush and forests.
He spoke quite a few of the African languages and treated all people with dignity and respect. Oupa was good at so many things: photography, fishing, breeding canaries, and, although he had never taken a music lesson in his life, he sang and played the piano accordion.
But, the quality I appreciate most about him was that he loved me unconditionally. He was always so thrilled to see his granddaughters, and showed great interest in what was happening in our lives at school, with our friends, and our hobbies.
I knew he would always be ready to listen to me recite a poem or sing a song, and he would applaud enthusiastically although I'm sure that sometimes the performance was rotten.
I never saw Oupa get angry, and I never heard him raise his voice. He was the first person who took me to church, to a little Catholic Church one Christmas Eve, and with that began my spiritual journey and eventual conversion. I'm grateful to the Lord for giving me a grandfather like Oupa.
by Mrs. Kathy Strehler
My Grandfather Was a "Tough Man"
My grandfather didn't come to the Lord until he was in his fifties. He was a 'self-made man,' a tough man, and a stubborn one. One of his daughters, my aunt, made a stand for her Savior, and so determined was she that God had called her to be a missionary that her boldness overcame his hard heart and he began to search the Scriptures for himself. He was so overwhelmed by God's grace and mercy toward him that he threw his whole life into talking about Jesus and the patience and forgiveness of a 'tough' but loving God. The change in him was so phenomanal that all eight of his children found their way safely to the fold.
In his fight against his daughter becoming a missionary, he found his own mission. And to the day he died, he served his Lord with zeal and integrity. No one could intimidate my Grandpa. He knew a CONQUEROR when he met one.
by Kim Muirhead
A Real Hero
I'd like to share with you one way in which my father has impacted my life.
He and my mom were married for 35 years. The fact that they remained together was a huge impact. My sister, brother, and I were allowed to flourish and grow in a stable home environment, which nowadays is the envy of many. We saw the culmination of their married relationship during the struggle my mom went through with her second bout of cancer — this time, of the lungs.
Though he traveled much internationally as chancellor of a worldwide university, his traveling came to a halt when he seriously took his marriage vows to my mom that he would be there in "sickness and health" and "until death do we part."
He became her main caregiver upon her return home after spending numerous months in the hospital on a ventilator. Dad was her nurse, doctor, nutritionist, encourager, cook, health care advocate, pulmonary specialist, and friend. Mom was home for 8 months, bedridden, and Dad never left her side. Family and friends marveled at his perseverance.
I hardly have the words to express the impact of seeing such dedication, determination, and loyalty expressed in action. Most families have ups and downs and, being married myself now, I understand that better. No matter what happened between my parents in the past and no matter what I ever thought about it (in my immature perception), my final impression has been forever sealed.
Mom's response to a question from hospital personnel of whom she was most proud of was that, "her husband was her hero." Seeing Dad beam and knowing Mom always loved the song "You're the Wind Beneath My Wings," made my heart whole.
Thank you Daddy for fully loving my Mommy.
by Brenda Keaton
Dad,
When I think back to my formative years,
I have so many pleasant memories!
I recall the times we would chat about God,
the times you took the family bowling
or out to dinner practically every Sunday,
The Sunday nights that we anxiously awaited
for your return from church with black walnut ice cream
or so that we could eat homemade buttery popcorn
while viewing "Candid Camera" and "Beverly Hillbillies."
I remember the times you taught me how to drive,
how you showed me how to place my fingers on a typewriter,
and/or instructed me how to keep up "Your" budget book,
or when I would wake up at 5 a.m. to fix you breakfast
for your golf adventure on a Saturday morning.
I watched as you walked upstairs to your "Study"
committed to preparing your college homework
and/or diligently studying the Bible,
watched as you proudly marched as the dedicated Deacon
at St. Stephens Baptist Church
Fond memories do I have of the times
I would drop in on you at the barber shop!
of sitting on your lap and enjoying your pony rides,
hugs and kisses
then seeing your beaming smiles as we would perform our skits.
Dad, You Are a Positive Role Model
Instilling good values (whether I applied all the lessons or not)!
You taught me how to pray,
how to strive for excellence,
by being stable and on time,
by maintaining dignity and earning respect
You disciplined me,
told me "no" when I wanted you to say "yes,"
and even beat me at chess.
Too well I can envision that sign
"There Is No Indispensable Man"
but then, Dad,
You are Wise, Strong, Faithful, Reliable, Trustworthy, and
I AM PROUD TO BE YOUR LOVING DAUGHTER!!!!!
Happy Father's Day Dad!!
by Cynthia Thompson
Thank You, Daddy!
When my mother's Parkinson's and Alzheimer's couldn't be handled at home anymore, Dad decided to move with Mom into a nursing home. Though he was well and could've lived with any of his children, he chose to live in a room next to her.
As Mom's illness slowly progressed, Dad seemed to rise up to the occasion with renewed strength and wisdom. Talking, singing hymns, and repeating long portions of the Bible by heart, he began to surround Mom with love, cheerfulness, and laughter.
They joked together as he gently dressed her, combed her hair, and even helped her to go to the restroom — outwitting with humor her moodiness and surprising aggressions. He proudly wheeled her down the halls and to the surrounding parks where they sat together like lovers enjoying each other's company.
Lately, Mom has fallen into a world of silence. Nurses have to take care of her. Dad still reads to her, then he rests or naps in a couch, soothing her with his loving presence. Often, with a divine inspiration only angels can bring, Daddy can be seen gently pressing his forehead against Mom's, softly caressing her face, and whispering the sweetest nothingness. Then he kisses her. Sometimes she kisses him back and they both laugh. Her eyes sparkle. Once in a while she surprises him by saying in a raspy voice, "I love you too!" It makes his day.
When I called for Mother's day, Daddy chirped, "I love your mom so much! She is so beautiful! Every day I love her more, and every day she becomes more beautiful to me!" I'll never forget his words.
It wasn't always this way. But Daddy has shown me that God's Spirit can transform even a 93-year-old man. He has shown me that to love is a choice we make regardless of our age or our circumstances.
Thank you, Daddy, for loving my beautiful mother so well. And thank you, Daddy, for letting me see Jesus in you! You are an inspiration to me.
by Alviria Gerber Quispe
Centered Around Jesus
As a child growing up in a small town along with six siblings, I often wondered how my dad held our family together. We weren't a family rich in material possessions, but we were a family rich in love and a family who stood together in both good and bad times. What made our family hold together is the impact that my father has made on my life.
Looking back over the years I spent at home with my parents, I now have the revelation of what held our family together. It was my father's strong faith in God and his strong belief in the power of prayer. His whole life is centered around Jesus Christ and his family. He believes in God first and family second. My father stayed on his knees over and over and over again. Even today he is continuously on his knees for his family.
He must have asked God for wisdom, for all his seven children continuously call on him on a regular basis for advice. We all know what he tells us is going to be sound doctrine and the truth that sets us free. My father demonstrates the love of our Heavenly Father by the way he continuously loves his children unconditionally.
He demonstrates the love of our Heavenly Father by the giving spirit he has. My father is known as one who will give away his last to help someone in need. His love is not a selfish love just for his own children, but he demonstrates the love of Christ to both young and old. Most of all I salute my father for the way he shares the Good News and the love of Jesus Christ to those who are lost.
by Phyllis Carter
My Father … a Transformed Life
It's hard to believe I'm grown up now, and I think part of it is because, like a small child, I still rely heavily on my father. I'm not the only person who looks to my dad for wisdom and encouragement. Michael Swann is a man who's not only a husband and a father, he's also a mentor, a leader, and godly counsel to every person who comes into contact with him.
Why is Dad so many things to so many people? It has nothing to do with him and everything to do with the God he serves — the God who totally transformed my father. Granted, my father is pretty amazing on his own, but Jesus Christ inside him? What an incredible team.
The impact of watching my father overcome manic depression and other demons from his past has been profound. Years ago, he was a man ravaged by depression. His marriage and his family suffered under the weight of a man who had been diagnosed with a mental illness he couldn't bring himself to accept. There was good news, however. Jesus Christ could handle it. He could do more than handle it, he could bring my father through it — heal his marriage, give him an incredible relationship with his children, and restore the years locusts had eaten.
My father laid it all down at the foot of the cross. I watched him weep over what manic depression had done to him. I spent a weekend with him camping where he begged for my forgiveness for all the pain his disease had caused me. My heavenly Father healed my earthly father. Jesus Christ has been the ultimate physician. Why? Because Daddy believes Christ has the power to change lives. In seeing that, and seeing Jesus work in my father, I believe it as well. And THAT is the single greatest example a father can set for his child.
by Lanier Swann
One in a Million
Mom was always busy with church. She taught a Sunday school class, was special music, directed the choir, was usually on some board, and was active in women's ministries. Dad was on the committee that helped keep the church maintenance taken care of, and sang in the choir. He never preached a sermon or taught a Sunday school class. His quiet faith spoke volumes to me.
When Mom was special music, Dad quietly prayed the entire time she sang. He told me that he prayed for Mom's song to touch peoples' lives, for her music to be a ministry. When I started singing, I would look out at the congregation, and there would be Dad, praying. It always touched my heart.
When the church wanted to build a new educational unit, it was Dad who believed in the project and encouraged the congregation to move ahead. Many people saw the costs, the time, the work involved, and felt they shouldn't do the project. Dad saw the opportunities, the chance to be able to reach out to the community with more room, and challenged them to catch the vision. The pastor compared him to Caleb. It was a fitting tribute.
When my father left us to be with the Lord, I learned of the many people whose lives he quietly touched. The stories that were shared with me during that time of grief spoke of a man of quiet dignity and faith.
Dad taught me what was important. He taught me how to do "cat's cradle." He was always the one who got up in the middle of the night, when I called for "Mom." He was the first one to understand my choice in a husband. A quiet man of faith.
My Dad was one in a million.
by Kathy Pross
Read more: Part 1 | Part 3
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