Sunday, June 19, 2011

Happy Father's Day!


I thought I'd pull out some pictures out of the archives of the Dads in my life. I'm so very blessed to have so many! This first picture is of Dad and I riding on Glavey Ranch with Mount Hood in the background. The best thing about my dad is that he has always made me feel so secure. I can't ever remember I time when I didn't feel loved by him. He is so proud (sometimes embarrassingly so) of his children and grandchildren. He taught me work ethic and that I could do anything if I worked hard enough at it. Love you, Dad! This year, we get to celebrate not only Father's Day, but his 25th Wedding Anniversary to my stepmom, Diana. They are going to renew their vows today. I'm so excited for them!
This is one of my favorite pictures of my stepdad, Larry, holding Hailey while we were camping at the desert when she was only a year old. Even though he came into my life when I was only 16, we've really gotten to know each other as I lived with them for a couple years while I was going to college, plus we've vacationed a lot together. He is an amazing man, with an amazing testimony! He struggled with drugs and alcohol addiction for years, and he is now a nationally renown drug and alcohol counselor. They always say that the best counselors were former addicts and I believe it is true. Larry not only treats my mom like a queen, but he extraordinarily loves my twin sister and I and all our children. Blood isn't everything. It is about relationship! 

This is my husband's father, whom I never had a chance to meet, because he died when Michael was 10 years old. However, everyone I talk to says how wonderful he was and how much he would have enjoyed teasing me. So wish I could have met this hero of the Korean War. I just wanted to pay tribute to him as well today.
This is Michael's step-dad and my current FIL, Ernie. Ernie is one of the hardest working men I know. He has been very sweet to our children as well. He loves to tease me with his dry sense of humor. We always have fun camping together. 

Of course, I couldn't forget this dad in my life, the wonderful father to my children. I love this picture of he and Josiah just before he deployed to Iraq in 2004. Those desert uniforms look funny now. The kids adore their dad and miss him so much when he is gone for work or the Guards. He loves them, too, and wants the best for them. I love seeing him training them up to love the Lord. It is precious!

Once again, thanks to all the dads in my life who have loved me unconditionally. I praise God for each of you and hope I get to say Happy Father's Day for many years to come.

God Bless,
Jackie

7 comments:

Stacie, A Firefighter's Wife said...

What a wonderful tribute to them! I can attest to the first two dads. They are wonderful indeed.

Catherine said...

Wonderful tribute!

Sarah said...

Great post Jackie! Lovely to read your tributes to the men in your life! I LOVE you dads horse in the first photograph!

RaD said...

Such a sweet post. I hope every dad you posted gets a peek at how special you think they are.

Grandmabeckyl.blogspot said...

Loved this post with photos and memories. I miss my dad. He's been gone since 1986. Godly farming dad. Love my father-in-law, that lives cross country. Made a strawberry crisp after lunch for my hubby. We ate some of it after dinner..oh so delicious. I'll post soon! Hugs and thanks for sharing!

Jill said...

What a lovely post! I hope you all had a wonderful father's day!!

Blessings,
Jill

Joy Liz said...

Beautiful post Mrs. Jackie, I love it.
In HIM,
joy liz

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