With Father's Day tomorrow, I've been thinking a lot about the dads in my life. And so, here's a post in honor of some of the finest men I know.
I'll start with my dad...and where to start? I truly have the best dad. Our family verse has been Ephesians 6:10 -
Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Dad would remind us of this whenver we were facing a difficult situation - from shouting it as encouragement to Kevin on the ballfield to reciting it when I faced a tough decision. That verse exemplifies who my dad is. He pursues God. He is a leader - not autocratic, but a kind - yet firm - leader. I've always known, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that he loves me and my brother. He deeply loves my mom. He adores his grandchildren. He is such a help to my grandma - not only doing, but listening. Plus he's fun to hang out with and loves to laugh.
And then there's his dad. I miss my grandpa so much. Nearly eight years after his very sudden death, there are moments I still can't believe he's gone. He was a constant presence - the rock of the family. He was wise, patient, kind and so friendly. I remember being amazed by the number of people who came to his visitation. That's the kind of impact he had. We've joked that he's in heaven just enjoying his talks with people. I have fond memories of visiting him at his Farm Bureau office in Falmouth and eating Dum-Dum suckers. Plus there were horse rides, walks to "Harold's" in McBain, countless boat rides and bonfires at Gun Lake - and so much more.
My Grandpa Wagner is very, very special too. We share a love of writing and some of my favorite memories are typing on his typewriter - and later his computer. I wrote a biography of him in fourth or fifth grade, and he came to my class to talk about his job as a sports writer/editor for the Kalamazoo Gazzette. He writes entertaining letters and emails and has fun stories from his college days and his days covering so many sports, from tennis to hockey to the 1968 World Series and the U.S. Open. I also have wonderful memories of time at their Gun Lake cottage (how fun to have both sets of grandparents at Gun Lake) - fishing, boating and playing on the swing set. And at their Pine Lake house, we also fished, boated and enjoyed trips to Dean's in Plainwell for their delicious chocolate sodas. He is someone who cares so deeply for his family, his friends and his neighbors.
My brother Kevin is a fabulous dad. Even though he'll be the dad of three come November, it's still just a little bit strange that my little brother is a dad. But he's always loved kids and I see that in every interaction he has with Gavin and Anne Hope - and Peyton too. He works hard (and does a phenomenal job!), loves God, loves his wife and takes delight in his children. Plus he's fun to hang out with - he's my friend, but he'll always be my "brother bear." :)
And Pete. What a joy to watch Pete and Peyton together. The night before Peyton was born, we were walking the mall and he slipped into Waldenbooks while I rested outside. There, he bought present for Peyton, a book titled
You're My I Love You. We didn't know it then, but less than 24 hours later, he'd be holding Peyton in his arms and reading it to him. Peyton loves his daddy - no one can make him laugh harder. They have fun together every Wednesday. Peyton lights up when he hears his daddy's voice. It will be so much fun to watch their relationship develop over the years. One of the things that attracted me to Pete was his love for kids. It is a privilege to parent with him.
Pete is also a "dad" of sorts to the kids he works with every day. Many of them don't have a dad in their life and if they do, it's not a positive relationship. So it's Pete (and the rest of the staff he works with) to model character and integrity, loving these guys at their worst and dishing out healthy doses of the discipline they need. Most of the time, these kids move on from the program and the future is unknown. But Pete is planting seeds and touching these lives for the time they are with him.
Dads are often the butt of jokes, maligned in popular culture as lazy or stupid. But the dads that have touched my life are marked by faith, integrity and strength of character. Everyone you touch - but especially your children, grandchildren and great grandchildren - are blessed to have you as a dad.
