Saturday, June 14, 2008

Happy Father's Day to Two Very Important Men

My father didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it. - Clarence Kelland

First to my Dad, who turned 72 years young just last Sunday.

Dad with mom

When I think of my dad, I think of easy, slow going character. He may not verbally spout off his thoughts at the drop of a hat, but when it comes to push or shove, he stands for what he believes in. He doesn't require attention. He is comfortable in his own skin. He loves cuddling and bear hugs! He's a man of God who preaches the Word in an old-fashioned way and is proud of it! Before becoming a pastor, dad held various jobs. As a young adult, he was known as the most steady coal truck driver of all in the coal mining community of West Virginia. Other drivers his age would brag about how fast they drove and how many loads they would move any given day, however, my daddy would often pass those blow-hards as they were stranded on the side of the roads waiting for mechanical help or working on their trucks themselves. Dad would just drive on by in his slow and steady pace, getting the most loads of the day. After I was born, Dad moved us out to California where he worked in a plywood factory. That place was so noisy! No wonder my poor daddy has nerve damage in both ears and has now lost 60% of his hearing. After Dad accepted Christ and was called to preach, we moved to Greenville, S.C. where he attended Bob Jones University. While there, dad worked in a J.P. Stevens textile mill, making carpets, towels, bedding, etc. This was yet again another noisy job. Through out the years, dad has at times been self employed as a painter and at some points worked construction when pastoring small churches, which couldn't afford to pay him a salary. Some years when dad was not pastoring a church, you could find him teaching Bible in a local Christian school or serving as Principal. Dad's first love is teaching the Word of God to others. Happy Father's Day Daddy and thanks for standing true throughout the years.



Next, Happy Father's Day Agustin!


Shane, Josh, & Agustin

You are a wonderful husband and fine example of a great provider. Thanks for being the best dad you know how to be. I know it is rough at times to adjust to the different stages our boys are going through, but you never give up. You work so hard to provide for not only our needs, but our desires as well. Your patience with me goes way beyond sainthood! I thank God for your loyalty and faithfulness. May you be fully blessed.


Sorting through the gifts he brought back from Mexico, June '07.


Showing us he's still "got it" on the soccer field!


All he wanted for Father's Day was a new pair of PUMA soccer cleats, AND...

a new pair of shoes for his baby!!!

7 comments:

Frazzled Farm Wife said...

Your father sounds like a wonderful, hardworking and loving man! How lucky for you to have him.

And Agustin...your boys are really lucky to have him in their lives too. What a great day for you to celebrate two very important men!

Anonymous said...

Yup, we are blessed to have these men in our lives. I'm so thankful for my father as well. He has always stood strong in his faith and for that I am eternally grateful.

Happy Father's day to the two special fathers in your life.

Love the soccer stuff. Sounds just like Beto....Go Chivas!

Jackie said...

Snazzy shoes!!!

Kimberly said...

Say Happy Fathers day to those 2 special guys for me! Love the shoes, Agustin!

Deborah said...

Very nice tributes to your dad and your husband!
I also enjoyed the pictures from the previous post.

Rita Loca said...

We have been blessed with good men in our families!

Lori said...

Neat tributes to both your father and your husband.