My Dad

Where do I begin? He throws socks in the ceiling fan to see where they will land. He used to make us run through the living room so he could peg us with a ball...he also did that when we would jump off the diving board. He drove us to school in his little Honda civic when we were little. He coached my softball team and pitched hundreds of balls to me when I went through a slump and couldn't hit a ball to save my life. He was my constant source of encouragement. 

He came to my school in 6th grade and spoke during chapel. He made everyone clap for me because it was my birthday and I cried because I loved him so much and I was so embarrassed! In 9th grade he picked me from school on my birthday, took me to lunch, and bought me a pair of shoes that I had been dying to have. I'll never forget that day and how even though I was 14, I was choked up when he brought me back to school and drove off. He always made our birthdays SO special. 

So many nights we would run and when we were done he would lay in the driveway next to me after we would run looking at stars and talking about life. I had a long conversation with him one night about how God's omniscience weirded me out because I knew no matter what flavor toaster strudel I chose, God already knew. And if I changed my mind, God knew that too. It still boggles my mind! 

He always asked for forgiveness from us when he knew he was wrong. He baptized me and showed me what it meant to be a Christian. He showed me how to love others and still have strong convictions. He proved to me that you can live what you believe. He never gave up on me, even when I gave up on church. 

He is my hero. I love you will all my heart, Dad!