In the last months, we have walked alongside three fathers as they have met the end of their days.  We have been with families as they have decided to bring in hospice and embrace the new season of comfort care.  Every bit of what we have done has been mindful of the importance of those beloved men, those fathers.  And the significance of how their absence on this earth will impact their loved ones.

And now we ponder again, and celebrate, the important place fathers hold.  Even when a father misses his chance to get it right with his children, the place he holds remains significant.  And sometimes, fathers live long enough, and face their history and their today, and make amends with their loved ones, and find forgiveness and healing.  That is a gift.  A powerful gift.

I celebrate my dad today.  But it’s more than that for me.  I look back and recognize the ways he loved me well.  And I reflect on the heritage he has created for his grandkids; a heritage of faith, and a heritage of knowing that their Papa loved them and was proud of them.  A heritage of love for the outdoors and hunting and fishing and preserving the old homestead.  A heritage of thoughtful thinking and wisdom.

And I see how my dad is slowing down.  And I sense that it is not fun or easy.  And that if it could be different, he would choose to be as sharp and quick as he once was.  But that is not how life works, and so I want my dad to know that I am here, and I will be here walking alongside him as best I can.  That his place in the family still matters, and still has value.  

You are loved, Papa, and we are glad you are ours.  We all have powerful memories of you loving us well.

Thank you, Papa.

Jill

©Jill Couch