Daddy was the best at improv. “Baby Makes 5” became “Baby Makes Stinkpot” and now my daughter won’t have it read any other way. Dad would inject his own brand of humor into every book he read my sisters and I when we were growing up. Of course he continued the tradition with his grandkids. I miss that. I try. Truly I do. But he was the master. Although I’m sure my own kids will remember me the way I remember my dad, in my own head, I just can’t out funny dad.
I missed watch football with dad. Oh how he loved his Giants. The last few years, he used to fall asleep during second quarter, and wake up half way through the fourth. Now, everytime I fall asleep watching a game, I’m “watchin’ with my eyes closed” just like my dad. Oh how I would have loved to hear his shouting when Tyree caught that ball against his helmet. And again seconds later when Manning to Buress for the win. I can not even begin to express how important this Super Bowl win is to my family. Dad was legally blind, and never truly “saw” a game. He could follow the dots, and listen to the play callers, and often knew what was going on before they did. But, the first Super Bowl after his death… At his funeral, all mom could say was, at least now he can truly see, for the first time in his life. So the first Super Bowl he could truly see with those new eyes of his…. and the New York Giants not only won, they beat the unbeatable! The ultimate Cinderella Story! I can not begin to express the feeling of joy and sorrow and bittersweet victory I feel every time I think of the game.
Those are just two, of many many things about my dad that I miss. There’s plenty more, but I need to pack. We’re heading out to be with mom tonight.
I can’t believe it’s been one year. How? How did we get through a whole year without hearing his voice? Without being able to call him for advice? Without feeling his arms wrap around me in a great big daddy bear hug? How? How has it been a whole year already?
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgRR_dutzbk]
Trust and Obey – Dad’s favorite song.
1
When we walk with the Lord
in the light of his word,
what a glory he sheds on our way!
While we do his good will,
he abides with us still,
and with all who will trust and obey.
Refrain
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
2
Not a shadow can rise,
not a cloud in the skies,
but his smile quickly drives it away;
not a doubt nor a fear,
not a sigh nor a tear,
can abide while we trust and obey.
3
Not a burden we bear,
not a sorrow we share,
but our toil he doth richly repay;
not a grief or a loss,
not a frown or a cross,
but is blest if we trust and obey.
4
But we never can prove
the delights of his love
until all on the altar we lay;
for the favor he shows,
and the joy he bestows,
are for them who will trust and obey.
(Refrain)
5
Then in fellowship sweet
we will sit at his feet,
or we’ll walk by his side in the way;
what he says we will do,
where he sends we will go;
never fear, only trust and obey.
{{{BIG HUGS}}} for you. After awhile, the raw, aching pain subsides somewhat, and you are able to move forward with your life. My mom has been gone 32 years, and my dad 17 years, and not a day goes by that I don’t think about them and miss them. I am profoundly grateful for their influence in my life, which continues to this day. I know this Easter will be difficult for you, but with God’s love and your beautiful family around you, you will make it through this.
I found your blog because of your Lost post, but your post tonight brought me to tears. Later this month it will be one year since my dad died suddenly and completely unexpectedly at a young age of 56.
He would fall asleep during football games, too! He loved children and I am so sad that my kids are going to miss out on so many fun times with him.
Those questions you ask at the end of your post are the same ones I have.
It is because of the way my dad raised me that I have such strong faith. My faith is what kept me from anger or despair this past year.
I love the song, and the clip you posted is beautiful. Thank you for this wonderful post.