Today is Father's Day.
A week ago Saturday was my dad's memorial service.
I've had a few people ask me how I'm doing with the whole Father's Day thing and I keep telling them the same thing, though it's a little weird, not having gone out shopping for a present, not wasting my time on a card because according to dad, for occasions like these, they were unnecessary cause "they just get thrown away anyway.", secretly wrapping a present in my disastrous room (the first miracle would be finding where I hid the present in my room, not like anyone dares to walk into my room anyway for fear that they won't be able to climb out of the abyss), and coming out to watch dad as he opens the gift that I spent hours thinking about because he was THE hardest person to buy a present for. "I don't need anything" He would say, "Yes, I know that, but what do you WANT?" I'd ask. "Nothing, I have everything I want." He would reply.
Imagine that response for about 21 years of birthdays, Christmas' and Father's Day gifts.
I think I had exhausted all the good gifts when I was younger, like stuff for the bbq, which I am convinced is one of the best Father's Day gifts you can give. As I got older the gifts turned into books, cd's and movies which were all permeated with a western tone.
But, I digress. Sure, it's unusual, but it's not bad. I'll tell you why. Not because it isn't sad that he isn't here and can't interact with my life anymore, I miss that. But, it's not bad because of everything beautiful that is in his life right now.
I would be crazy to wish he was back on this sin-filled planet, when right now he's celebrating Father's Day with his Heavenly Father.
No one will replace who my dad is, but today has given me time to contemplate the men in my life who have made an impact on me. (This is the part where I'm proud to brag about a few people.)
Number 1 being my Uncle Mark. He's been like a second father to me since I was a kid. He's always looked out for me and practically considered me to be one of his own daughters. I've been so blessed by the role he's taken in my life.
My Grandpa Roth is number 2. I've never met a man more generous and sweet in my entire life. I'm sure a part of that is because he's surrounded by females. But I know that regardless, God has given him a spirit of gentleness and care for others.
Geno is definitely number 3. He reminds me of my dad, how he's bold in his statements and honest to boot! He keeps me in line and never fails to show honest concern for my life. I'm blessed by his example to me.
Number 4 goes to Ryan, my brother and best friend. He's just about the best guy I know. He's shown me so much and pushed me to new heights that I didn't think I could reach!
Brandon is number 5, my actual brother. He's impacted me a lot through the years. He taught me to roll with the punches (sometimes literally =P) and how to be goofy. He's helped shape me into who I am today.
More recently my Uncle Guy makes number 6. He being the younger version of my dad makes it hard for him not to have an impact. He's modeled his work ethic and love for the Lord after my dad. He's one tough guy, but a big softy at heart. His zeal for growing into a man of God has impacted me.
Those are just a few guys. There are more who have impacted me over the years. The list would grow infinitely long if I named all of them.
Anyway, I am blessed by these men. I was blessed by my dad, though not a perfect man, a man that God put in my life for a reason, even though it was for a short amount of time, it was for the right amount of time because it was God's timing. And for that, I am grateful.
Let us not take these relationships we have on this earth for granted because they truly are a gift from above.
Happy Father's Day to all the father's out there! Make every moment count!
Signed,
gypsy girl
