Father's Day

Father's Day is Sunday.  I feel like when I see a Father's Day ad full of power tools, I need to turn into Tim the Toolman and grunt loudly or yell out "More Power!" Anybody else? Or, am I the only one?

Oookaaay, well then, moving on.

To me, the difference between Mother's Day and Father's Day is the sense of sentimentality.  With Mother's Day, we get mushy and lovey and flowery.  Father's Day brings out the inner animal. Must have more tools! Must eat meat!

Forgive me, then, if I get mushy on you for this Father's Day.  Because, in my life I have been privileged to have four dads. Four men who have impacted me in very special ways.

First, my dad.  My daddy, my pops.  He was strong, confident, loving, quiet, punny, patient, and could fix just about anything.  He was a lover of history.  He was godly, daily getting his hands dirty working to further His Savior's kingdom here on earth. He was a tinkerer. He could fix anything with some elbow grease and duct tape. He loved his family.  He told me my mom was "his best friend." He took road trips and made memories. He taught us to "walk in like we own the place." He taught us to question what we believe by asking "Rebekah, what does the Bible say about that?"  He taught us to "do it right the first time." He also taught us to love life, and take advantage of the moment.  Like when the tour guide wasn't watching and he cut out of line to go stand on the star where Johnny Carson would stand to do his nightly monologues.  He spent only forty-eight years and twenty three Father's Days on this earth.  I often think "Oh, my dad would get a kick out of this." I know that I will see him again. I miss him.

Second, Don. Even though technically, he was my step-dad...I think of him more as a friend. A friend, I only got to know for just over six years. He came into my mom's life and brought back the light in her eyes.  He filled her with happiness. Which really isn't surprising because when he talked to you, he could make you feel like you were the most important person in the room.   From the second you met him, he would make you feel right at home. He had a sense of humor that would make even a nun laugh. He was genuine and sincere. He encouraged. He had wisdom.  He loved his family. He wanted to make everyone happy. He loved being a soccer dad. He loved baseball. He filled a hole in our family. He was a great grandpa. He didn't judge...life was too short for that. His life was too short.  I was blessed to have known him.

Third, there is my father-in-law, Dave. I have been privileged to call him "dad" for the past 13 years. There are so many things in him that I see he has passed down to Dan.  He's a hard worker. He's proud of his family. He loves life, and the people that he gets to meet along the way.  He will step in to lend a helping hand.  He knows a little about a lot, and if he doesn't know it, he can fake it pretty good. :) Right, Smart Dave? His humor is contagious. He's sentimental. He's got a great laugh. His grandkids think he is hilarious. He loves his Lord and Savior.

Finally, the main daddy in my life.  My hubby, my teammate, our head coach. Dan. The wonderful thing about Dan is that he is passionate about his family.  He wears the title of Husband and Dad proudly. He isn't afraid to say "no" to something if it meant he would have to put his family second.  He desires to run the best race for his Savior. He loves life. He makes me laugh on a daily basis.  He is o.k. with me being goofy and says I'm beautiful. He is protective of his girls and proud of his boys. He's got time for hugs and a wrestling match. He is o.k. with the kids "being kids."  He keeps me on track and is my biggest cheerleader. There isn't a day that goes by where I think I could do this whole parenting thing without him.  He is the love of my life and the hero to my kids.  I can't ask for anything more.

I am thankful that the men in my life have been God-fearing, strong, and loving.  To all of them, and to all the other dads out there...Happy Father's Day.  I hope you are surrounded by those you love (and maybe some power tools and meat).