Happy Birthday Dad

Well, I had been doing a lot of thinking about father's and the role that they play. I personally was blessed to have a wonderful Godly father who was always there for us and sacrificed so that we could have what we needed. Many times, my dad would work 2 or more jobs if needed to supply for his family. My father was killed by a drunk driver 19 years ago (when I was 15). Funny I write this (it was not planned), as today is his birthday. My dad packed a lifetime of memories into those 15 years, and yes I was the stereotypical "Daddy's Girl". I know I have forgotten some things about him since he has been gone as I was only 15 when he died, but I also have a lot of fond memories. He coached or helped with many of my softball teams, he helped our mom with the household duties (as she worked third shift at a local prison for almost 20 years), he spent time with us, let me drive his truck back our lane (with his guidance of course), attended church regularly (whether company was at our home or not:)) enjoyed his grandchildren (hate the fact that he didn't get to met my children--they would have sure loved him), taught Sunday School, helped anyone who needed it, along with many other things. But one memory that is very special to me was when we would sit on our front porch and just talk about things that we going on. We would talk about our day, what was going on in our lives, I loved when he would tell me stories about when he was young and a kid himself. One special conversation that would come up at different times was what Heaven would be like. He always told me that he thought Heaven would be all of the wonderful things that you love, and of course worshipping God. He would always laugh and say, if you like to mow yard, then I am sure God will have a yard for you to mow (my dad enjoyed mowing yard). When he died, as truly devastated and hearthbroken as I was, I said that I would never wish him back because he was finally where he had always wanted to be, in Heaven. I know that when my mom got there (three years ago this Jan. 1), he was next in line after Jesus and he told her, "What took you so long to get here" and he would smile that smile that he had. So, I am sure that while my dad is singing songs of praise for our Lord (he also loved to sing at church), the yards in Heaven are just perfect! Happy Birthday Dad, thanks for all of my memories!