"Remembering My Dad"

Did you ever wonder why we celebrate birthdays of people who have already passed away? Well, I have come to the conclusion that it has something to do with the fact that we need to continue to learn about those that have contributed to our lives. I have thought about taking this one step further than just those on the official calendar. Why not celebrate the lives of our family members that our kids did not have the opportunity to meet and get to know?

I started a new tradition in our family and I am excited about it. We have begun to have Memory Days. I thought it would be a way to transfer my heritage to the next generation. Saturday would have been my Dad's 68th birthday. For those of you who may not know, my dad died of cancer at the age of 58. He went to be with Jesus the same month I had Samuel. It has brought me so much pain to realize that my kids never knew the wonderful man I had as a father. Since I can not change that fact, I want them to know as much as they can about the person that I believe was one of the greatest people that ever lived. He consistently walked with God and had an incredible amount of wisdom. He loved to laugh and really did not care to be in the spotlight. He loved his family and we never doubted that we were his highest priority next to his relationship to God. I miss him every day and know I will see him again in heaven.

Having said this, we celebrated his life last Saturday. My sister, Esther, bought me a nice frame that has the word "Memories" imprinted on it. I can change the picture whenever I need to. I put a picture of my dad in the frame and placed it on the kitchen table to remain there throughout the day. I decided to do some of the things that my dad would have liked to do. We played board games (one of his favorite family activites), and shared milkshakes (one of his favorite snacks). I also gave my kids a brain teaser-something my dad really liked to do. I began reading a contiuned story that my dad used to read to my siblings and me. My kids are really enjoying this adventure. I declared it a good day when one of my kids asked when our next memory day was going to be.

My dad and me on my wedding day.


My dad sculpturing a snowman. My niece, Kaleesha, and my nephew, Kaleb, Julianna, and I are also enjoying the winter fun.


All done. Don't you like the snowman's hat? Also, in the picture is my mom, Julianna, and Kaleesha.


My dad holding Julianna.


Dad standing in front of the altar where his mom was saved.


Dad helping me shoot pears off of a tree. (Hope the mailman doesn't come.)


Although I miss my dad, I am very grateful for the time that God gave me with him. I am also thankful for my heritage and the privilege to pass on the memories to my kids.