When I Grow Up

WHEN: June 8, 1983 WHERE: Sartori Hospital, Cedar Falls, IA On June 8, 1983, my dad first held his only son, at the age of 31. On April 28, 1952, my grandpa first held my dad, at the age of (almost) 31. On July 6, 1921, my great-grandpa first held my grandpa, at the age of 31. Since I first learned of this "linear lineage" as a boy, I knew I one day wanted to carry on that family tradition. Now, four years from that mark, I have learned so much more about what I want my legacy to be and gained a much deeper appreciation and respect for fatherhood as exemplified by my own dad.

Just thinking about this blog is overwhelming, when I really sit down to focus on the sacrifices my dad has made, the love he has shown for his family, and the example he has been to so many around him. I feel a blog post is so inadequate to describe the husband and father my dad is and has been. From day one, a day I don't even remember, my dad has poured his love out on me and my family and has painted such an inspiring picture of what a father is. I know that the model father he has become is a direct result of his earnest desire to model Christ, our heavenly Father. I am so blessed not only to have always had a father-figure in my life but also to have been raised by a Godly father whose love and life has modeled Christ in so many ways that I aspire to.

Thank you, dad, for the adventures (although I made you sell your motorcycle because I was worried about you getting in an accident).

Thank you, dad, for making time for me and showing that you cared.

Thank you, dad, for taking me all over the country. Our vacations are one of my most cherished childhood memories.

Thank you, dad, for always being around and letting me know you were available and that you valued me.

Thank you, dad, for working so selflessly to provide for your family.

And thank you, dad, most of all for the Christ-like example of a father that you are.

I am so proud of you and I'm humbled to be your son. You have left enormous shoes to fill as a husband and a father. You are a man of love, integrity, selflessness, conviction, wisdom, and so much more. You are not perfect but I would never expect you to be. Only our Father in heaven is and you have guided me at every step to look to Him for direction and understanding in life. You are everything I could ask for in a father and I couldn't ask for a better model here on Earth as to how I want my life to be lived out as a father and man of Christ. Thank you for being my dad.

When I grow up, I want to be just like my dad!

Happy Father's Day, DAD!