Larry grew up without a Dad in his home every day. By age 7, he had been through 3 "Dad's" and was relieved to see the last two go. He had regular visitation with his Father but did not get to see how a Dad interacts with his children daily nor how a Mom & Dad worked together. His Mom didn't get to know her Dad until she was older and she did not know either of her grandfathers. His paternal grandfather died when he was 14, so he didn't have a lot to glean from. Fortunately, his Mom became a Christian when he was 7, and the Lord began placing godly men in his life. As he grew up and married, he realized he had to ask God daily for guidance on how to be a husband and eventually how to be a Father. I am so grateful he knew where to go for direction. At the young age of 25, he faced the unimaginable and became a widower...with a toddler to raise alone. Again, he turned to God. Some told him how hard it would be and he was completely blown away by suggestions of giving his son to others...and he did a wonderful job with this sweet boy.
Years later, I became his wife (YAY!) and God blessed us with two more sons. I will admit, we asked for a daughter....but God wisely granted us Casey, Gavin & Peyton and you can't exactly return them. With each pregnancy, I saw Larry's excitement grow...he assured me how everything would go just fine, loved watching my growing belly. He talked often and sang to the boys before they ever entered the world. He was 'into' every step of pregnancy from the Nursery to the coming home outfit. He reveled in who he referred to as 'my' boys.....they were and are his "Best Buddy". He has never gone far without them. When he was hunting, they were, too. Cutting grass...changing the oil...shooting his bow...fishing....reading....going to town- they were his shadows. He explained EVERYTHING to them...the never just watched Daddy do any chore, they learned all about it in vivid detail. As infants, he changed them, fed them, rocked them, walked them...would have nursed them if he could! As they grew, he made sure they always had hunting equipment, fishing poles..whatever they needed to be with Dad- they had it. He mourned with me through our miscarriage and tenderly helped me to heal. We were blessed for the first 17 years of our marriage that he worked from home and spent many more hours with our children than most Dads can. I readily admit, he works overtime at being a Dad- I'd never want to be a single Mom.
Our oldest son is a Dad himself and now more than ever, I see how wonderful of a Dad Larry really was and is to our boys. In Casey's gentleness with his own daughter, I see the sweet reflection of Larry during our boys' infancy. He has so many mannerisms like his Father and it always brings a smile to see his gentle kisses, hear his songs and sweet conversations. Just last night, Larry was going on about Caseys "magic touch" with Carrington and i was taken back to the days when only Daddy would do for our sweet boys. It makes real the promises that God gave to my husband years ago as he asked God for direction...he did indeed become a great Daddy. A Dad of integrity. God has blessed him in so many ways...he has three sons who adore him, he has a great adult relationship with his Father and he even has a daughter in law whom he loves as his very own...icing on the cake- a gorgeous grand daughter! God is so faithful and good to those who serve Him!
Sometimes, I remember the days of praying for a daughter. I remember questioning why God would not give us the one thing we desired. It is almost laughable now...our sons have given us so much joy. And without our own girl, our hearts were just open to our daughter in law, Christiane, I cannot imagine loving a daughter more. So, No, we were not denied daughters to punish us, but were given sons to be raised by a Father who would instill in them high values and thus bless future generations with three great Fathers. One Dad, praying daily to get it all right can ( and has) began a legacy in his own family. I pray I've been as good a Mom....so Happy Father's Day, Larry. I love how you encourage men to be godly Dads. <3 nbsp="" p="">
3 comments:
That's so good (sniff, sniff)!!
Thank you Amy. You are always so sweet.
Awesome blog!! ♥ y'all!!
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