Saturday, June 16, 2012

Father's Day

A repeat of last year's father's day post...worth sharing again to remind these wonderful men how very much they are loved and appreciated.
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I sat down to write this post and became sidetracked looking through old photos. I laughed, I cried, I was reminded of how very, very blessed I have been by some amazing men in my life! My Daddy, my Popow, My Grandpaw, and Marcus as well as Marcus' Dad and Grandad.

My first love, the man that taught me how I should be treated, my hero and my first best friend was my Daddy. He is the most selfless person I've ever known. He has always been extremely busy with his work, but has always been there for me anytime I needed. When I was in high-school I was involved in a lot of sports and activities.  Even though Dad was working as a Principal at a High School with 1600 students as well as finishing his Doctoral degree, he never missed one event. Ever. Sometimes he'd come running in at the very end, but he was always there. He taught me how to change my oil, play the guitar, dig worms and bait my hook, lay a rock sidewalk, sing harmony, ride a bike, held me when I cried, and cheered me on when things went well. He has supported me even when he doesn't agree with the decisions and choices I make and he has always believed in me. He demonstrates for me over and over again the way that God must love his children through the way that He loves me. He is a man of integrity, faith,  hard work, and determination. He is everything that I hope to one day be and all that I want my kids to emulate. He taught me through his example how to love the Lord and how to serve. I could go on and on about my Daddy (maybe an idea for a future post?!). If you happen to read this, Dad, know that I am so grateful for the impact you have had on my life. Thank you for loving me, for believing in me, and for making me feel like I was accepted just as I am.






I am blessed by two amazing Grandfathers. One was called Popow and he was my Mom's Dad. He went to Heaven last year in June, so this will be our first Father's Day without him. The last time I was with him in his home was on Father's Day weekend last year. I took the kids by to see him and snapped this picture of him with Mack. He could hardly move at that point, yet insisted on making it to the fridge so that he could get out some Reeses cup treats for Karsyn and Kaydan. That evening after we left,  things started to take a turn for the worse, and within several days he was moved to Hospice.
My Popow was a GREAT Grandfather. He took us places, always bought us treats, would carry us around and do the "popow shuffle", made us beautiful things with his carpentry skills, made us laugh with his silly jokes or wiggling his ears, and loved us unconditionally. Popow was known as the 'chewing gum man' at our church and gave out a piece of gum to every child (and most adults) that came through the door of our church for many, many years. He knew our favorite kinds and would have them ready for us each time we saw him. He loved being a grandfather and a great grandfather. I have written about him before, and you can find that post here. Popow- I miss your hugs-they are still the best hugs I've ever had! I miss the way your house smelled. I miss your jokes and your smile.  I am so thankful for the example you set in how to be a Grandparent and to spend time investing in the lives of those you love, and for the example you set in loving our Lord. I am relieved to know that you are with Him now and that one day I will get to hug you again.







My other grandfather is called Grandpaw and he is doing well. Grandpaw is a man of few words, but when he speaks I know what he's going to share is very important and worth listening to! He is a hard worker and man of great strength. He pastored at the same church for 40 years and still keeps very busy preaching at a local retirement home, working in the garden, taking care of his cattle, chopping wood, and lots of other things. Even though he is often in a lot of pain physically, he never complains or quits. He just keeps working and doing his best. Growing up we lived right through the woods from Grandpaw and Granny so we were at their house a lot. He taught me how to play the fiddle, helped us with anything we needed, and one time even shot a snake for us that was in the pond where we wanted to fish. He is a man of great character and wisdom. I am so blessed by the example he has given us in how to lead your family and how to support them no matter what. He and my Granny have modeled for us that you trust in God no matter what. (future post coming on that as well). Grandpaw- I love you. Thank you for your sweet spirit and humble servant heart.



Which brings me to Marcus. When I married him, I had no idea that he would become such an amazing Daddy. Although I don't tell him nearly enough, he is a wonderful father to our kids. He works hard to provide for them and then when he gets home each evening he works even harder investing into their lives. He is teaching Karsyn how she should be treated by her future spouse, and teaching Mack how he should one day lead his family.

Marcus- you amaze me. Thank you for knowing the exact moment I'm about to lose it with the kids and jumping in to help. Thank you for cleaning up poo and puke at 3 a.m. when one of the kids are sick. Thanks for playing dress-up and for listening to Veggie Tales music in your truck when the kids are with you. Thank you for acting excited the 478th time Karsyn wants to show you her new trick and for playing peekaboo with Mack for as long as it takes to get him to stop crying. Thanks for learning to style K's hair in pigtails and for holding our colicky babies for month after month. Thanks for choosing us over ASU football games and for always coming back inside when Karsyn needs "one more kiss and hug". Thank you for the example you set with your faith and in the Biblical truths you are teaching our kids. I knew I was marrying a smart, good looking man, but I never could have imagined the father that God has formed you in to being. We love you, we appreciate you, we respect you and we support you. The time you are investing into our kid's lives will pay off one-hundred fold. I am so grateful for you and all you do for us.







As if these three men weren't amazing enough, God blessed me with two more when I married Marcus. Marcus' Dad, Mike, and his Granddad, Wade.

Although Wade has already gone on to Heaven, he left a lasting impact on Marcus and taught him many life lessons that will influence both him and our children. He was a hard worker and had a sweet smile. I didn't get to know him for very many years, but I am grateful for the time that I had with him. He loved his family and spending time together. Grandad O- we miss you and think of you often! Thanks for all that you did for your family and for us. We love you!


Our kids know Mike as "Granddad" as well. He is a hard-worker and a man of great conviction. He has taught, coached, and mentored hundreds of young people and their lives are better because of it. He passionately supports his family, his church, and his favorite sports teams (Go Apps!). Mike has a huge heart and loves animals and helping others. Our kids love their Granddad and miss him when they aren't around him often. He is great at getting Mack to stop crying, he can make funny faces and noises, and he even made Karsyn her own swing. We are blessed to have you in their lives, Granddad! Thank you for the time and influence you are investing with them. We love you!




This year on Father's Day as I reflect on these wonderful men, I am so grateful that God blessed us through their lives. I am blown away when I think about how differently my life could have turned out without each of them. Dads hold such a special place in our homes and families. Thank you to any of you who hold the role of Dad, Granddad, Uncle, Cousin, Brother, or Friend who are stepping up to the plate and investing in the lives of those around you.

Love to all of you!

1 comment:

  1. What a wonderful post to all the fathers in your life, Kara! So sweet!

    ReplyDelete

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