My dad died when I was pretty young but not so young that he left without filling me with a lifetime of some loving memories.
I used to really hate that period in my life and I USED to live in that grief for quite some time… So much, that I may have alienated and avoided many “celebratory” moments in the PRESENT for a very long time.
I regret that sometimes but I also don’t currently wish to regress into that “could’ve, should’ve, would’ve” thinking either. Some wounds just take a little longer to heal or the scar tissue calluses us to something else … often NOT good.
Anywho … what I also learned not too long after my dad’s passing was that I had a Heavenly Father that cares for me deeply. Deeper than I would ever understand.
(You don’t have to agree with that, this is my story, my experience.)
When I look back today, I can see a multitude of human father figures that was placed in my path at the times I needed most and I’m eternally grateful. Some were seasoned “dads” and some were my age going through whatever I was experiencing at the same time.
They have all been outstanding men that filled roles in my daily walks and understanding that I needed at certain moments in time and I hope not ever take that for granted.
What is THAT ROLE, you say?!?!
I think basically, is that we all from time-to-time, search for approval, acceptance and guidance in what ever this heart in our chests keeps beating to!
A lot of conflict has to do with how we were brought up. The more competitive the spirit, the worse the teachers. The more we strive to understand, the better rounded the child. That’s what I believe is “parenting 101” … listen, learn and teach.
I can honestly say I was brought up just fine for the most part, albeit cut short of perhaps a few informative years but then again, I can’t really say that either … because my Heavenly Father placed some pretty awesome outstanding men (and women) in front of me that either heeded to that loving calling or didn’t.
Either way, prayers were answered. I can never deny that. ♥️ I had all I needed to break out of the cell I was creating. Thank you, Lord for showing me your view.
I also love that some of these father figures not only stepped into those roles that I needed at that time, but also superseded and I can NOW call them my brothers. Thank you.
If I called, texted or messaged you today (You know who you are) Thank You for being the best YOU that you were to me.
As a father, I want the best life for mine. We can all do better and I pray together, we will.
I love you fellas … Happy Father’s Day.
