So tonight I sit and write about MY dad. Today would have been his 76th birthday and I miss him greatly. You see, my father died almost exactly three years ago, during Micah's first deployment. In fact, Micah was home for his first R & R when my father died. My father was a great man. Its very hard to put into words just how much he meant to me. He was always there to support me in everything I did. I will never forgot his words to me when I decided to change my career path during college. I started out Pre-Med and after two years discovered that I didn't really want to be a doctor, but rather a teacher. Everyone told me I was crazy to switch to a lower paying job...but when I broke the news to my parents, my father gave me the best advice. He said "I don't care if you choose to be a ditch digger. As long as you enjoy what you're doing and it makes you happy, that's all that matters." Somehow, he knew that's exactly what I needed to hear at that moment in time.
My father always knew what to say. To say I was a stubborn child is putting it mildly. I've always had my own way of doing things. But dad had this knack for letting me be frustrated and angry while he just listened. He would just say that I needed to do what I felt was right. Somehow, he always gave me the power to move forward without trying to tell me what I needed to do. That is a gift. If you've ever seen the movie "Cars" (which is one of Evan's favorite movies), you would know the character Doc Hudson...well, that's my dad. In fact, he even was a driver back before having kids...but why that character reminds me of dad is the way he teaches Lightning McQueen how to handle the curve. For me, it was often the curves of life that Dad taught me to handle.
So tonight, I say Happy Bithday Dad...I miss you. And as I sit and remember all the great times with you, I pray that I can only be half as good of a mom as you were a dad. I love you!
The Thunder Run has linked to this post in the blog post From the Front: 07/29/2008 News and Personal dispatches from the front and the home front.
http://thunderrun.blogspot.com/2008/07/from-front-07292008.html
Posted by: David M | July 29, 2008 at 02:01 PM
I'm proud of you Beth. This has to be the hardest part of your life...and it takes great strenth to get through it. You will. I believe that. But we all know it just can't be easy. I think back to many times alone with my two sons...and many days I didn't think I'd make it. But it was a different time and a different reason...and my strength always came thru...somehow. You'll grow now...as Jobie illuded to. You'll use this time later...when it matters - as my folks illuded to...and it won't be so hard to think of. You'll be proud. You're a great mom...with love and care for those two wee guys. Keep that strong...and dry those little tears. I know it breaks your heart...as it breaks mine to read it. We're all holding Micah up...with prayers from the gut and heart that all stays smooth and well and he'll return safely home SOON to all of us. I'm so glad you had that two weeks to enjoy "stuff" and the pictures are great.
God bless you Beth...Evan and Camden...and Micah. Keep up the blog... Blurt your heart out. We're all listening...and pulling for all of you...
XO..Linda
Posted by: Linda Z | July 28, 2008 at 10:40 PM
I miss him too.
Posted by: Micah | July 28, 2008 at 09:50 PM