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!
