Father's Day, 2011

Father's Day is a bittersweet day for our family.  It is bitter because it causes me to remember how long it has been since I have gotten a big hug from my own father, Mark,  or my father-in-law, Dave.  We are reminded of the loss of both our fathers and the loss of them being here with our children enjoying life here on Earth with us. Yet, it is also a day of sweet memories of them both. 

Me, my Dad, Mom, and sisters, circa 1987

Big Papaw, baby J, Nana, & cousin J, July, 2001

Both of our mothers married again after the passing of our fathers, so we have been blessed with two wonderful men in our families, "Papaw" and "Grampy".  They have loved all of us like their own children. They love our mamas and make them happy.  They would both stop whatever they are doing and do whatever we need them to do for us.  They are both giving and loving guys.

J, Pap, B, & Mam at our 2010 spring school open house

J, Grampy, cousin J, B, and Rosebud, summer of 2010

My own husband, Doug,  is a fantastic father to our children and I am so thankful for him! It is wonderful to celebrate his strength and sacrifice for us and for others in our community whom he serves.  He is fun, but also works hard and challenges us to grow and not settle for less than our best.  He works hard and plays hard - a lot like his own dad.  His caring attitude and compassion for others is much like that of my father, too.  He is his own person, but I can see attributes from his own father and similarities to my dad that drew me to him.

B, Doug, & J at King's Island, 2010

We will never get over the losses of our fathers, but we rejoice that they are with our Father in heaven.  Our children often talk about how they are blessed with four grandpas, Papaw and Grampy here on Earth and Grandpa Mark and Big Papaw in heaven!  Fathers are a special blessing when they are godly men, who follow after the Lord.  We are fortunate that all of these special men have touched our lives and that they were and are men of honor, integrity, and followers of Jesus Christ.  We are blessed!