It is Sunday afternoon – the time when I usually sit down to write our Monday post.  This post takes the most time – searching the internet to see what’s happening around town for great date ideas in order to share the list with you.

But today I’m a bit distracted.  Driving home from our Church’s service I felt a wave of sadness.  No reason, just that blue kind of feeling, and then I remembered why; today would have been my dad’s 88th birthday. This was a day he celebrated for over 80 years.  He left this world while I held his hand on January 3rd, 2004.  So much has happened in my life since I last saw him:

• I’ve become a mother-in-law to Seth and Ashley.
• I’ve become a Nana 4 times to Bristol, Norah, Willow and Bradley.
• We started this blog to encourage Christian marriages.
• Not to mention all the changes in our home and work.

It has been a full 7 years.  Yet, if I close my eyes I can still hear his laugh and the way he used to say my name, “Debra Doll”.  So today, I’m reflecting and discovering the joy that comes from mourning. I realize I will one day see my Dad again, for he loved his Savior, Jesus Christ, and for this I rejoice and have hope.

I will add this joy to my list of 100 joys – having a Dad who loved me and loved God.

Stanley and Leota Gray

Happy Birthday, Daddy!  I long for the day when I will see your smiling face again!  Today was and always will be your day in my heart – I love you and thank God for the joy you gave me in being your daughter!