Father, I thank YOU for last night's delightful time of getting to know two of my dad's friends. Because of YOUR grace and Your continued provisions, we were able to enjoy a yummy meal together. It was so cold, and yes, it was still icy and slushy...but You kept us in our travels.
Wray and Gloria were so warm and fun to be with. We laughed much as we lingered over our meal and conversation. Gloria and I enjoyed dessert and we were bursting at the seams. The service was great and the food was delicious. The couple was also celebrating 59 years of marriage.
Later, after arriving home, dad and I tried to stay up late as we both hate the good-byes that come when my visits start to wrap up. At about 12:15 am, I could no longer keep my eyelids open. He yelled, "NO!" Lol
I knew he wanted to stay up as long as possible as did I. It was so hard for me to remain attentive because I was exhausted. I know it had more to do with the emotional heaviness that oftentimes comes, leading up to my departure.
This morning my dear sweet dad made me some bacon. Now who doesn't like bacon!? We had toast and coffee, laughter and tears.
After loading up my car and hugging dad really, really tight, I actually pulled over at the end of his carport to cry some more. It caught me by surprise as I heard myself weeping heavily. I love my dad so much and I so wished that we lived closer. God only YOU know why we have this distance between us. ONLY YOU KNOW the end of our story.
I wrote this as I was listening to Beth on my drive home: It is no longer me who holds the pen...it is no longer my story but HIS-story! Yes, it's His and He has already written the ending.
Father, I thank YOU for the love that I share with my dad and I am so grateful that I am his dear sweet daughter and that he is my dear old dad.
YOUR grace however bittersweet it may seem in the moment, is more than sufficient for me.
Lord, willing, I will see him this coming June, on Father's Day!
I LOVE YOU LORD and I thank YOU for all that happened during our past 20 days together. Twenty blissful days of love, laughter, food, fun, tv, snow, heat, shelter, outings, tears and good health.
Eternally yours
