I grew up loved and cared for by an amazing father.

One of my favorite, ‘Dad Stories’ is when I flipped over my bike and took a nasty spill..

Some of the details are fuzzy but his response was to buy helmets, elbow and knee pads and enforce all five of us kids to wear them! It’s the little things like that which remind me how important I am to Him.

One a little closer to my heart and i’m not even sure he knows this was that I used to struggle with the fear of someone breaking into our house. As a small girl I would lay in my top bunk, entire body paralyzed in fear, until I heard his foot steps.
Instantly I’d be calm because my daddy was there and no one could hurt us because he wouldn’t let them.

I had a healthy respect of his authority. If was being disobedient, all he would need to say was my name.

‘Laura‘ TEARS!

I laugh now but seriously how easy was parenting for him!? Just kidding.

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His hard work and contentment in life {No matter the difficult circumstances he faced} provided his children with a wonderful childhood.

The most admirable thing about him is his love for God and next my mother.

I saw a healthy marriage growing up and what a gift that was!

When He gave me away to be married he really let me go and I think that transition from my dad’s home to a home with my husband was more difficult than I’d imagined.

Sometimes I miss being little because I saw more of him. I loved going to his softball games, hearing his stories, when he would jam out to the Toby Keith tape in his red truck, and seeing him come home from work to kiss my mom right away.

I know as adults his children have made choices or dealt with things that have caused heartache for him. But he’s still been there, no matter what he has remained, even when it would have been easier to shake his head in disapproval and let us figure it out on our own.

We still need him as much today as we did when we were little. His guidance, wise counsel, and love.  It’s a gift that he keeps giving all of that.

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My father is a pillar in my life and I admire him. He’s the most giving person I know. His discernment makes him an incredible leader too!

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A father plays a key role in a daughter’s discovery of who she is. Whether he thinks so or not, he just does.

My own dad taught me that I mattered.

I want him to know how important he has been, as my dad.  I know that there aren’t any red carpets rolled out for a father or special awards given but your role is irreplaceable.

Without him I wouldn’t be who I am. He brought me up in the best way he knew how and I’m really grateful for how he did it. Full of love, laughter, and protection.

In a world full of fathers who leave without much thought, God gave me a dad who didn’t abandon me.

God set me in this family and hand-picked my dad and I to be father and daughter and I’m so glad he did it that way!

Happy Father’s Day, Dad! I love you so much.