Happy Birthday Daddy

 

Happy Birthday to my Daddy!  Daddy died December 15, 1991 at age 75.  He would be 94 if he were still alive today.  Of course, he is more alive than we all are since he is in Heaven.  I was the last child born and sometimes I get really angry that my brother (who is 14 years older than I am and who is pictured above) had Daddy 14 years longer than me.  :)  Daddy was an extraordinary man.  I guess maybe all little girls think their daddy hung the moon.  In my case, it was true.  I always knew I was loved no matter what was going on.  He truly gave me a rich heritage as he taught me about our Heavenly Father's love.  My Daddy was loving but fair.  Of course, if you asked my brother, he would tell you that Daddy always favored me and was harder on him and my other brother.  He probably is right! 

This picture was made by a professional photographer who was doing a story about farmers in South Carolina.  It was in a magazine called The Progressive Farmer.  (This is the same magazine that launched Southern Living magazine.)  Anyway, I digress. Just to say that dad was a farmer and also worked in textiles.

One of my fondest memories is when Daddy brought home a tiny little Siamese kitten with a bob tail.  He woked me up (he was working 2nd shift) and asked me to reach into his coat pocket.  Inside was the smallest, furriest little kittens I had ever had.  "Bob", as my dad named him, lived for 16 years and was my fast companion.  

Daddy also taught me the love for the Old Testament.  It remains my favorite book of all times and I find great comfort in reading passages. Daddy's been gone for 20 years but it seems like yesterday.  Sometimes, he visits me in my dreams.  I love those dreams and wish I would not wake up.  He usually has a message to tell me so those dreams are rare.  

Thank you Daddy for being a wonderful. loving father.  You gave me riches beyond compare.  Daddy's favorite scripture was John 14: 1-4.  It was the first scripture that I ever memorized and one that I repeat almost daily to myself.

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. 

In my Father's house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be.

Where (I) am going you know the way."   

I love you Daddy and Happy Birthday!