My Fathers

I spent some time this morning thinking about the Fathers in my life. My paternal grandfather, Pap, passed away when I was in 3rd grade. In all of my memories of him he was in a wheelchair or sitting in 'his chair.' He & Mima lived in our town, so we visited them on Sunday afternoons. I remember him wearing light blue, short sleeved button down shirts. I also recall being mesmerized by his loss of a toe on one foot.

I remember Pap's funeral as much as anything else about him. It was the first time I had ever been in a limousine (shallow, I know, but I was 8!). More striking, it was the first time I ever saw my Dad cry. I have only seen it 3 other times since then.

I effectively lost my maternal grandfather, Granddaddy, that same year. Although he lived 13 years longer, that was the year he left my Grandmama for another woman (after 40 years of marriage). I had been very close to Granddaddy, as they lived next door to us. My greatest memories of Granddaddy involve dancing on his workboot-clad feet to sounds of Lawrence Welk. He taped every episode on cassette and meticulously labeled them. I can't help but wonder whatever happened to those pleather cassette tape cases filled with big band music.

My Daddy has always been the chief adventure seeker in our family. He loves playing outdoor sports of all types. As the father of only girls, he had no choice but to teach us all the games he liked to play...from basketball to rugby...our backyard saw it all. I even remember a bright yellow library book he once borrowed called The Rules of the Game. It was an encyclopedia of dozens of outdoor games and their official rules. (I remember the book so well because my Mom finally paid the library for it YEARS after its due date.)

In addition to his playfulness, my Daddy has always been a great listener. He is laid back and consistent with a dry sharp wit. He has worn a mustache my entire life...except for one time when he shaved it--and we all insisted he grow it back immediately. His playfulness and adventure-seeking make him a terrific "Poppy" today. My children adore him.

My list would not be complete without mention of the father (in law) I got as a result of marriage. He is a playful, kind and dependable man. He is where my husband got his servant's heart. Granddaddy Scott provides wise counsel and loving Christ-centered support for our family.

My children are blessed to have two wonderful Granddaddies pouring into their lives.