Happy Father's day

Now I know what you're thinking...Huh, about two weeks late for that one, but today is father's for my family. My grandmother passed away on June 16 after a long illness, so to properly honor my father, we postponed his day. So, this post is for my father (but, feel free to read it).

Daddy,

You have been through so much with your 3 strokes and heart surgery, etc. I know you get tired and despair about your place in this world. Your place in the world and in our lives is as it ever was. You are the one that we look to for the courage to persevere. You are the one that always encourages us to try again, look deeper, and learn more. You are our example of overcoming your difficulties, not allowing them to define you. When I was young, I believed you could do anything. In an adult way, I still do. I believe that you have a spirit stronger than anything this world has to throw at you. I used to believe that you were the strongest man in the world. I still do. but now I understand what this means. When I was young, my belief was based on your ability to lift me over your head and carry me with one arm. I now know that was not your strength at all. After your body was weakened and your physical strength faded, I finally saw your strength was your determination. When I was young, I thought you were brilliant. I still do, you know so much about so much. But the thing that makes you so brilliant is your willingness to share your knowledge. You understand that knowledge only lasts as long as it is known and so you try to pass yours to others. I used to see you as my hero. I still do, you are the one that protects me from the danger of naviete. You protect me from the cold of being unloved. You rescue me from my insecurity and self-doubt. And you helped lead to the safety of my Savior's loving arms. You are truly the most amazing man I think I will ever know. So, daddy, for all this and more...THANK YOU. Thank you for always reminding me of the definition of "true strength". Thank you for showing me the manifestation of love. Thank you for proving that knowledge is power. Thank you for being man enough to show me your pain.

I've loved you all my life and I love you even more now that I really know all that makes you who you are. I thank my Heavenly Father every day that He gave me such a great example of fatherhood for my journey towards Him. No matter old I get, I remain.

Your baby girl,
~Rebekah~