Thursday's Thought

Ephesians 6:1

Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.

Good morning, and a terrific Thursday to you!

On April 2, 1932, a boy was born - Casey Jones was the name he was given, and that boy would grow to be a man. He would marry and  he and his wife would become parents of three children. I was blessed to be the middle child of their union, the only girl. I would become Daddy's little girl, a fact I'm quite proud of! Today is that precious man's 83rd birthday. 

I have so many memories coming up of times spent with my Dad. He was strong, even though he was not a large man in stature. He lifted us up on a broomstick, and we loved when he flexed his muscles. He was a hard working man, and he taught us the value of putting in a good day's work. Although he was not a mechanic by trade, he often fixed cars for his friends, taking nothing in payment.

He loved to sing and whistle. Often we knew he was coming home from work because we heard his whistle. We loved checking out his lunch box because he often brought us home little goodies like gum and candy. 

High on the list of his attributes was his love for God, which began when I was about ten. His life changed for the better when he was born again of the water and of the Spirit; a change that greatly blessed our family. God and church became our first priority; we never missed church, all because Dad took us there. Dad loved to read his Bible and pray, and he did both daily.

He loved his wife of 64 years; he loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. When he was still strong and active, he ran with them and bounced them up and down, much to their pleasure (and his). He loved to laugh, and I always loved making him laugh (something I still love doing).

Since 2008, after suffering a stroke, and then later being diagnosed with dementia, Dad's health has steadily declined. His short term memory has faded, but he can still recall much of his young life growing up in AL. He's slower now, and cannot perform many of his simple daily chores without help, but he's still strong to me.

Even though I saw him just a little over a week ago, I wish I was there to enjoy coconut pie or cake (or both) with him today. I'd put a silly birthday hat on him, and we'd laugh and throw confetti everywhere and on everyone. We'd celebrate big time. But, since I can't be there in person, I will write this blog post in honor of this precious man that I am proud to call my Dad.

Happy Birthday, Dad! I love you dearly!

Your daughter,

Charlotte