I've never been sure how I feel about Father's Day. You see, I lost my dad when I was just a 9 year old girl. I remember those father/daughter dances where I had to get a "stand in" daddy because I didn't have one. Why me? Why would I be the one to grow up without a dad. Well, just a couple years later my mom met a man. I thought he was terrific, that is until he decided he was going to marry my mom. Um...I don't think so!! For some reason they decided I was not going to run the show and they ended up marrying.
Many years I carried around anger, bitterness, hatred toward this man. There was no reason for it except that he wasn't my "dad". It took me a long time and I mean a LONG time to finally realize what a blessing we had been given. He had been married before and had lost his wife. They were unable to have children. So, instead, he got stuck with the three of us. Who in their right mind would marry someone with a 13 year old boy, 11 year old girl and 5 year old boy. (Guess my mom was really somethin') But boy he loved us, just like we were his own.
He has been such an example to me of unconditional love. Even though he got nothing in return from me, but grief, he kept on loving. He is the greatest dad anyone could ask for. He is a "papa" that any grandkid would dream of. And right now, two of his grandchildren (my kids) are without their dad. He is being a dad to them in every way he can be without overstepping. I pray that some day my kids will want to see their dad but for now they know they have the unconditional love of their papa.
One last thing...because of seeing unconditional love in the flesh, I was finally able to believe in God's love. It wasn't an easy road or a short one but I did get there. This man, my dad, gave up his life to be what we needed. Jesus gave up His life to give me life!
I love them both. My dad. And my Heavenly Father.
- Sheryl
- I am a mom to 2 great kids. I am a child of God who is pursuing after Him as I learn to live in my "new normal". Diagnosed with a life altering illness in June of 2007 and the end of my marriage less than a year later, life has taken a new path. One that I am learning to accept and appreciate. As my illness caused me to be basically home bound, my family named the living room couch "my perch". Thus the title of this blog.
13 comments:
Praise God from Whom all Blessing Flow!!! What a great tribute!!! Love you, girl!!
Beautiful, Sheryl. God is good! I'm so glad your dad loved you unconditionally and you were able to embrace him and his love. That is not always the result of blended families.
Blessings to you.
Love,
Paula
this is a great story of God's provision! thanks, gurrrl!
Awww.. Sheryl what a beautiful post of your Dad.
I was a single Mom of a 15 month old son when I met my husband.Later we had two daughters of our own. My son has known my husband as is dad all his life, sure there was those teenage years when he rebelled but my husband loved him through all of that too lol. God Bless thoses men who can step into a marriage where there are children and treat them just like their own flesh and blood.
Hugz Lorie
Oh Sheryl,
How deeply touching...
I'm so blessed to read you are basking in your heavenly Father's love these days.
What a beautiful story of HOPE with your earthly dad.
Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their
hearts on pilgrimage. Psalm 84:5
Keep holding on my friend.
I'm praying for you today♥
Sweet Sheryl, you do KNOW me, we are siestas!!! In the flesh and in the Spirit!!! Write me @technonana@gmail.com!!!
What a sweet tribute to your Dad! That's so much like God to keep loving, no matter what.
And thanks for your openness in your comment on my marriage post. My heart just broke for you, but I believe in miracles and know that God is able. I'm praying for you.
Our God is so faithful, isn't He? What a beautiful picture of His love for us! You've honored your dad AND your heavenly Father in painting it for us.
My dad was the father figure for my sister's kids for many years while their dad was "wayward." I know firsthand how important the love a grandpa can be in kids.
Still praying for you!
Isn't it amazing how awesome our parents tuen out to be when we leave those teenage years!! Your father, here on earth and above, are blessed by this post!!
In His Graces~Pamela
I read this and your previous post and I am so glad that you had a good day! Dad's and step-dad's especially can be a huge part of a person's life, I'm glad you had such a great one!
Jen
Oh, Sheryl! I could have sworn I read this and commented but I must have been trying to multi-task and messed up! I know Father's Day can be rough for many (me included) but I want you to know that it's great you appreciate your step father! I am sometimes hard on my husband who got a package with my kids, too! It took you some time to appreciate him but I'm so glad you do today! You make me want to be nicer to my husband tonight!
I loved this story!
Love you!
Angie xoxo
Hi Siesta! Thank you for posting on my blog! I loved "getting" to know you. I enjoyed your freshness and truth in your posts and telling it like it is! I'll be lifting you up before our Father for healing and restoration of your marriage. I understand the emotional rollercoaster at times - the ups the downs. It reminds me of something I read today we all have issues, situations, trials in life but how we deal with them determines if we have victory or defeat. I know I'm unable to deal with things in my life right now without God and only God! I praise You Lord! Thank you again for stopping by!
That is a beautiful post! Very touching. Thank you for sharing it .....
Post a Comment