fathersdayMy dad turned 70 in January, and on his birthday, I took the time to write him a little note. I want to post it here as Father’s Day is upon us.

            Well, Dad – this is crazy! You are 70 years old. Happy, happy birthday! I hope your day is all you have hoped it to be.

            It has gone by so fast. It REALLY does seem like yesterday that I was around 10 years old, and you were taking me hunting. (And you were then 36 years old.) WOW! I even remember when you turned 40. It really does seem like just a few days ago, and now I’m over 40. Absolutely CRAZY!

            Dad, I want you to know that next to Jesus, the greatest blessing of my life is having you and mom as my parents. Everything “started off on the right foot” when God placed me into your lives. I know I have told you this before, but you are my hero. I’ve always said that you were closer to the LORD than anyone I know, and that you are what you are at ALL times. I lived with you for 21 years – and I still am around you a lot – and what everyone else sees Monday through Friday – that is what you are 24/7. The passion and zeal that you have for the LORD is a part of you all the time. You are what you are . . . the REAL DEAL. The love you have for the LORD, your heart for Him is something that Jon Paul and I got to witness all of our lives. And I’ll never be able to thank you adequately for being that God-loving, genuine, passionate man for the LORD. God has blessed me beyond words by letting me be your daughter and be influenced by you. You have never, ever let me down, and I’ve always been nothing but amazingly proud to call you my dad. For 43 years – you have “knocked it out of the park” as a dad – but not just as a dad. All of my life, you have been so many things I admire – a businessman, a community leader, a church worker, a sportsman, a ball coach, a tent revival & stadium-event planner, a son, a husband, a brother, a grandfather, a veteran … the list goes on … Sunday School teacher, etc., etc.

            I know it hasn’t been easy being my dad. I’m sure there have been many times that you thought you had “bit(ten) off more than you could chew.” HA! But I thank you for EVERYTHING! You’ve given your whole life for me, JP, and momma, and all our family. We know that you love us so very much. You’ve sacrificed so much for us all. And we are all forever grateful.

            The greatest thing that you ever did for us was love the LORD like you do. That has impacted our lives forever and ultimately made us who we are in Him today.

            Dad, I love you more than you’ll EVER, EVER know. You have “hung the moon” in my eyes all these years, and I’ve never been more proud of you than I am now!

            God is so good. Just look at ALL the things He has given us to enjoy (I Tim. 6:17) – turkey kills, crappies caught, great meals, blessed holidays, family vacations, trips to Fort Bluff Camp, deer trackings, and mainly those times of worshipping Him together. He is RESPONSIBLE; He is the GIVER of every happy moment you and I have shared. Because of Jesus – the great times together NEVER end. You are WONDERFUL!

            I LOVE YOU MORE THAN YOU’LL EVER KNOW!

            Happy Birthday!

            Love, Candise