Daddy's Watch

Last Sunday marked a year since my Dad passed away. Oddly enough, last Sunday wasn't that hard for me - mostly because I kept busy. Last year, the 14th happened to be the day before Father's Day. I always thought that was kind of funny. My Dad hated Father's Day and his birthday and basically any occasion where he was the center of attention. I often said he chose to go then so he wouldn't have to endure another holiday.

This morning, as I was getting ready for church, I opened my jewelry box to pick out a necklace, and something caught my eye. After Dad had passed away, one of the things that I wanted was his watch. I don't know why, but it just reminded me of him. He used to sit and play with it as he talked to people. It's not really a fancy watch - just a durable Timex that he had for as long as I could remember. Throughout this year, when I have missed him, I have pulled out that watch and been comforted by the hands that were still moving in a circle, keeping time even though no one needed it anymore.


As I pulled it out this morning, I realized that the hands had finally stopped. In a lot of ways, that seemed kind of appropriate. I can just imagine my Dad sitting there saying, "All right Greeb. It's been a year. Suck it up and go forward with your life." Then he'd probably say something goofy like "It'll put hair on your chest."

I am so grateful for my Dad. He was an amazing man, and on this Father's Day I think it is more evident to me than ever. I am so grateful for his influence on me. I KNOW I would not be the semi-sane, mostly happy adult I am today without his never-failing love and guidance. I feel so blessed to have had that example in my life.

And looking to the future, I am so grateful for Jon. I know that he is the same kind of man my Dad was. I watch him with our kids, and am amazed at his ability to love them and have fun with them. I am so grateful to know that my kids will have someone who will be their biggest champion - who will wrestle with them, teach them the things they need to know, reprove them with love, be silly and goofy with them, rile them up when it's time for bed, joy in their successes and comfort them in their failures. He is absolutely amazing and I am so thankful to be married to him.

On one last note, I am grateful for my sweet father-in-law. Papa Gee is half of the reason Jon is such an amazing father. I am so thankful that he sacrificed all he did to raise my husband. I am thankful for the unfailing love and support he has shown to us. It doesn't matter what we need - from a computer fix to a babysitter to a comforting shoulder - he is always there for us.

I just feel so blessed today to have such amazing fathers who have and will continue to influence me and my kids.