Heavenly Birthday

      Today marks the first birthday that we will not get to celebrate with my dad. As soon as this month began I found myself an emotional mess as all the events began replaying in my mind and the deep sense of loss hit me all over again. I was looking at one of my old blogs the other day and thought it would be appropriate to re-post it, but with a few changes to make it present tense. I am also honored to be able to sing on this special day, and when I found I was on the schedule I felt the Lord leading me to sing the song I wrote for my dad's memorial service. I pray I can get through it and be able to share the message that my dad wanted all of his children to know and love...that the only way to get through life is to have the Word of God rooted and grounded in our hearts, because we are nothing without God. My dad set his eyes on the prize of heaven back in 1975, the year I was born, and never took his eyes off the goal. And I am happy to say my eyes are focused on that prize too....

     I would watch him as he sat, Bible in his lap, having his quiet time on the front porch. As the birds sang their morning songs and the early sunshine would begin to warm the night-chilled ground, he would meditate on God's Word. It did not matter where we were, if we were on vacation, or visiting a friend; he always made sure he stole away for those few precious moments with his Lord, and I am glad to say...  
        ...that was my dad.
       Ever since I can remember, he got up early to go to work, no matter if he felt like it or not. He had a job to do, and not just an every day computer job, but a job to provide for his family. He worked many hours to meet all the needs of our growing family, but he did it out of love. He did it so we could spend special time together, like get creemees after supper, or take a day trip up to the Gramby Zoo. He loved us to pieces, and I am glad to say...
        ...that was my dad.
         Every year he would take each of his six children, one at a time, to a special place of our choosing. We called it "Our Day" and we got to spend the entire day with Dad. What fun we had watching planes take-off at the airport, riding ferries to zoos and waterparks, and having to drive up to La Ronde in Canada instead of riding the train because it took off without us. Yes, even as an adult woman I can still say it is fun to go on a "day" with my dad. I am so glad I took the time to go with him to the Stowe bike path for an afternoon of bike riding and ice cream. It was a special time and I am glad to say...
        ...that was my dad. 
        He always had a soft spot in his heart for animals, and I am happy to know that he passed it on to me. Living in the country allowed space for us to have chickens, rabbits, geese, dogs, cats, and yes, even horses when one of my sisters decided she loved them and promised to take care of them. Maybe someday I will have some land and can raise my own chickens and maybe even have a little goat, or one of those cute sheep with the black faces. To this day, every time I see a beautiful bird and hear a unique bird call, I think of my dad and wonder if he has seen that kind of bird before. If I see a bluebird, which was his favorite, or a chickadee, I want to call him and share my joy of God's creations with him because...
            ...that was my dad. 
        He always made sure we went to church, and a few nights a week had devotions with us. He always made sure we learned of God's ways and instructed us in the only way he knew how - by the Bible. I took what he said to heart and developed my own relationship with the Lord. I learned the ways of the Lord for myself, and read my Bible every day. The Lord saw me through the struggles of my teen years, and brought me to where I am today. I am thankful for the testimony of my parents and what they have taught me through the years. My dad was special because he was the one who led me to the Lord, and well, he is special just because he was my dad. 
     I know this is an earthly thought, and probably something we would not even think about in heaven, but I wonder if God allows celebrations up there on the golden streets? The angels and loved ones gone on ahead rejoice when a sinner is saved, so I know there are celebrations up there. Whatever my dad is doing right now, I know he loves being with his sweet Savior and is having the best-birthday-ever up in heaven. But know this, down here, we all miss him and wish we could celebrate one more birthday with him. I love you, Daddy, and cannot wait to see you again someday. Happy birthday in heaven! 

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