I’ve always thought that the relationship between a dad and his daughter is one of the most bittersweet things we experience during our human life. No matter if you are a daughter, have a daughter, or have witnessed a relationship between a dad and his daughter, you have to agree . . . there’s something incredibly touching about a grown man having his life turned upside-down because of a little girl. If anything, it is proof of the power of unconditional love. A daughter myself, I have to say that I have been fortunate enough to experience the care that my father has given me for over 23 years; at the same time, however, it can be one of the most difficult emotional pathways that a person can experience.
When I was growing up, I never saw my dad cry. He was the strongest person I knew, and he always knew how to fix everything. He was stern, but loving, and he loved my family more than anything in the world. I knew that then, and I know this now.
Time changes, though, and I think we all grow a little softer as we get a little older. Through all of the life events we’ve experienced as a family over the years, especially this year, I continue to see my father become a little more human each day. In fact, as I type this entry, my dad is finishing up surgery in Virginia for a spot they recently found on his kidney. I know that this, along with my recent move, has caused him and my mother a lot of uneasiness over the past several months. I can’t help but feel guilty for leaving them during such a difficult time, but I trust that this is a moment given to them by God, who brings us all closer together through the struggles we go through. I’ve witnessed it with my family before, and I’m seeing it once again.
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| My parents and me at my wedding (betcha couldn’t guess from the big, white dress) |
Good news! I just got off the phone with my mom, who said my dad’s surgery went fantastically. I’m sure he’ll be groggy for quite a while, but I really like knowing that he’ll be out of that operating room, sleeping comfortably without that nasty thing growing inside of him. I’m also overjoyed at the moment with doctors in the surgical profession, and even more thrilled for a loving, awesome God who takes care of us!
Okay, so I will end this post by predicting (with 105% certainty) that it will make my parents cry (which is something they know I hate), but I’ll just continue to focus on all of the happy right now. Today is about my dad, and he deserves a little hubbub.
