I have my father to thank for my relationship with God...
While my mom is the strong heartbeat of our family, it was Dad teaching us, loving us and leading us to a loving relationship with God.
He achieved this in his quiet, unassuming way. He spent quality time with his children- trips to the beach to go swimming or fishing, camping trips, long trips to Cape Town in the stifling summer heat in a car without air-conditioning; movie nights at home on Fridays or a double feature at the cinema... Rocky, Bruce Lee and anything Bond were favorites.
Dad taught history at the elementary and high school levels. He ended his career as principal of a Catholic elementary school where he still taught history and played the guitar at the weekly school mass.
He played in a band when he was younger. Evenings spent with our extended family or friends culminated with Dad entertaining the group, playing his guitar and singing... he instilled in his children a love for music.
At a celebration for Dad's birthday a few years ago, one of my cousins thanked him for making her feel special when she was younger... She recalled that when he was her teacher, he would bring a cake to school on her birthday. She reminisced about him making cups of tea whenever they came to visit; and she marveled at the fact that her teacher, a respected man in his community, would stop what he was doing to make her a cup of tea and chat.
Dad is a strong man of faith. He converted to Catholicism, and was active in our parish. We attended mass as a family every Sunday morning. He was a stickler for punctuality, and had little patience for Mom lingering after mass to talk... we walked home a few Sundays... a good 30-45 min walk, uphill on the final stretch!
I have been immensely blessed! It is so easy for me to grasp and accept God's deep love for me because of the wonderful example set by my earthly father. My heart aches for all who have not been as fortunate...
So, I'm praying for Dads everywhere to be the faithful, dependable, loving leaders your children need. Please ask God for all the gifts you need to be the spiritual head of your family. Your children are depending on you...
Love your sons- teach them to be strong, faithful, respectful, hardworking men. Teach your son to be a man of his word, a man of integrity.
Love your daughters- teach them to be strong, independent, kind, respectful, hardworking women. Warn your daughter's future husband that if he cannot treat her with the respect and love that you have shown her, then he is not worthy of her.
Dad has had to slow down significantly in recent years due to Parkinson's disease. While his movements are limited, his mind is still strong, and I know he is doing his part to pray for, and love his children. Mom is unwavering in her care and support as always; still the strong heartbeat...
Thank you, Dad, for all the ways you have led our family and others to the heart of God.
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