Parenting and Religion

Dad,
I thought I would share a few memories I have of you with everyone who reads this.
One of my earliest memories is of piggy-back rides around the rooms on Southport St. You would give each of us kids a turn, and that was a lot of fun, but the best part was when you gave mom a turn. I remember all of us laughing so hard, thinking you would drop her.
I also remember when mom worked at Isards Department store. We always looked forward to you cooking dinner, because we always ended up eating McDonalds, Pizza, or popcorn…instead of whatever it was you had burned.
I remember running out to meet you when you would come home from work at night, you always took time to hug me.
I remember when our dog, Lady died. That was the first time I ever saw you cry, and I will never forget how sad I felt for you.
I remember when I wanted to stay at Grandma Troy’s house, and you said “no, not tonight.”
I told her to tell you to let me stay, after all she was your mom, so you had to do what she said…right? She told me otherwise. She told me that I should always listen to my father, because he knows what is best for me.
I remember how I thought you were a hero when you let a stranger come stay with us after the flood. I thought you must have been the nicest, bravest dad in the world.
I also remember arguing with Tony Irvine and Paul Verity, about whose dad was the strongest. They each insisted that their dad was the strongest, but I knew the truth…mine was.
I remember when we played Monopoly in the middle of the night…but I don’t remember who won.
I remember when you told me in front of a boy who came to pick me up for a date “I like Dan Lockwood better!”, and how humiliated I was. By the end of the night though, I knew I did too.
I remember when we were ready to walk down the aisle on my wedding day, how you looked like you weren’t so sure this was the right thing after all. It was the right thing dad, and I know you still like Dan better.
I remember when you and mom were there when I gave birth to Joey, and how special it was to have you there.
There are a lot more wonderful memories I have of you dad, but I can’t fit them all in here.
Just know that I am thankful to God for making me be born to you and mom. Thank you for introducing me to Jesus, and continuing to be an example of God’s wisdom, goodness, and love for me.
I love you Dad.

Love,
Jeannie