Daddy

He didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it. Clarence B. Kelland  

Fatherhood is pretending the present you love most is soap-on-a-rope.  Bill Cosby

The greatest gift I ever had
Came from God; I call him Dad!
 (unknown)
 

How can a person say Thanks to their father for all he's done in a lifetime of dedicated love to his family?  My Daddy has gone above and beyond the call of service of any normal man.  With all of his grandchildren living far from home he has worked hard to be an active part in his children and grandchildren's lives.  My brother and I are both missionaries in Brazil, so all of Dad's six little grandsons live a continent away.

When the first grandson was born almost fifteen years ago in Brazil, Daddy had his first passport stamped with a Brazilian visa and was ready to travel.  This was not a done without a little courage for a man that would rather brave the open sea than fly up in the clouds!  But he was prepared and ready to meet the challenges of being the grandparent of an MK - missionary kid.  

Together Dad and Mom have made many trips to Brazil throughout the years.  They were even able to be present for the birth of one of my boys in 1997 when Dalton came into the world.  While he was still working Dad would take all of his vacation and save up sick days to be able to come.  I'm sure he worked a lot of overtime and took a lot of stuff to the flea market as well to help pay for their tickets.  

I'm so thankful for a man that gets up each morning to read his Bible and pray.  I'm thankful for a man that through example and action raised up two dedicated Christian children to serve the Lord in full time work.  I'm thankful for a man that continues to be a godly example to a total now of six grandchildren - all boys!

Can't wait to see you again in person, Daddy!  Thank you for all your efforts in visiting your missionary grandchildren and for being the wonderful father and grandfather that you are!

Happy Father's Day 2010, Daddy!