Words from the Wise

Well we had an unexpected visitor today. Around 3:00 this afternoon, we heard a tap, tap, tap, tap, tap....tap, tap. The sounds of the rhythmic knock we are all familiar with. The only difference is, I knew who it was, my Dad!! It was a pleasant surprise, I assure you. But, Michael and I were still not feeling well and we were laying around still in our PJ's reading and watching TV. Thank goodness my Daddy has seen me sicker than this before and loves me (us) nonetheless!!
We enjoyed our time of talking, which we do often, yet not often enough. My father is a wonderful storyteller and I have always thought that he either should write a book or that someone should write one for him. He brings an image to every story that is like no other else can, whether it's the first time that you have heard the story or the 30th!! We discussed some serious issues in which my family is experiencing. The issues come down mainly to communication. My father then opened up and talked about how important communication is to him and why. Growing my father had it rough. He lived in an old farm house that never had indoor plumbing and the house got so cold in the winter that a glass of water left out over night would be frozen by morning. He was the youngest of 10 kids and lost several sibling before he'd grown and started his own life. His upbringing was not the greatest, to say the least. As he continued to talk I found myself hanging on his words more and more. My father is a wise man. I am sure lots of little girls think their daddies are smart and the best daddies in the world. I guess, I'm still that little girl at heart. Through all that my father has been through he shared that he had to make the choice to leave all of it behind him and choose to move forward. He referenced the apostle Paul many times and said the basis his everyday living is after his teachings. He chuckled and said that when he gets to heaven he want to talk to Christ, but he said he then wanted to sit and spend a few thousand years talking to Paul. Even now this brings a smile to my face. My dad has had his share of struggles, some of which he admits he brought on himself. He is a much more the spiritual man now than I ever remember him being. My father truly is my mentor. I realized today how grateful I am that I can go to him for council and strength. He makes me laugh and cry and smile when I think of him. I am grateful to not only call him Father and Daddy, but friend.