Happy Father's Day to all our Dad's and Grandpa's

The following memories and comments are well worth reading:

Lisa Blevins writes: "I don't have the right words to describe my dad! He has never let me down, he is the true model of what a dad should be, he loves and cherishes his family, he treats my mom like she is a queen (and she is), and the love for her is evident and still growing after 54 years. I have very rarely seen my dad lose his temper (but when he does, watch out), he is a man of strong conviction and morals and of course godliness!! I have nothing but good memories from my childhood and to the present time of both my parents. I couldn't be more blessed or loved!

p.s. And he's funny!"

This from Robert Riddle, when asked what he remembered about his Dad: "That's an easy one..he taught me how to fish!"

Linda Strzalkowski remembers:

"My mother worked as a waitress at John's Barbecue on Fort Street in Detroit. My dad and I would go to pick her up after work and I would lay on the front seat, and he would sing me songs, "Old Kentucky Home", "Oh Play Mate" and many more. It was always very special, and our alone time."

These kind words are from Camilla McKee: "Even though I never lived in my Dad's household, I knew he loved me because he would tell me he did. He was a large man and a retired truck driver, but very tender hearted. He loved to laugh and tease his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a believer and very active in his church and in my half brother's school, boy scout and sports activities. Even though he was never a big part of my life when I was growing up, I had great respect for him and his sunny outlook on life. About 25 years ago he and my stepmother began to come for a visit to our home about once a year and our relationship grew because of that. I am thankful for those times we had together. Dad went to be with the Lord in May of 2007, and I miss him."

Louise Moore writes: "My growing up years weren't easy ones, and I wasn't close to my Dad until much later in life. Being the oldest of eight siblings, there wasn't much time for father-daughter bonding as they call it today. Other issues also made things difficult in our home. I am thankful however, that I was able to have one-on-one time with Dad in the few years prior to his death. I would go to his home in Ohio and we would go for drives in the country, eat his wonderful cooking and sit on the porch swing or at the kitchen table and talk. It was my privilege to talk with him about his relationship with the Lord and he assured me he knew where he was going when he left this earth. The months prior to his death were blessedly difficult and I learned much each time I was with him. God graciously allowed me and others in our family to be with him as he passed from this life to the next. Thanks to the grace and mercy of our Lord, I shall not only see my Dad again, but spend eternity with him."

Pastor Bill has this to say about his Dad: "My Dad was almost 38 years old when I was born, and the age gap was huge. Not surprisingly, I discovered he didn't always value the things that I valued. For example, I wanted him to spend more time playing ball with me, but he had the burden of paying the bills. I always was wanting him to get a Mercedes, but he never graduated past Chevy or Oldsmobile. They served his purposes, though, and got us where we needed to go.

As I got older, I appreciated more and more any time I had with my Dad. He was in sales, and when I was a teenager, he would take me on sales calls he made in the evening. We would talk all the way to the appointment, and all the way back, but while he was selling, I sat in the car and studied for school. My Dad was redeeming the time.

He had a funny sense of humor, and was more of a quipster than a joke teller. He made a lot of bad puns, and I honor his memory by being (a little) corny myself. I remember a lot of laughter at my house.

He said that his philosophy of child rearing was to introduce his children to the Lord, and let the Holy Spirit do the convicting and correcting. That's probably not exactly how Dr. James Dobson would recommend it be done, but it worked pretty well in my case, I think.

He was faithful in passing our Gospel tracts, singing in the church choir, and trying to honor the Lord in his decisions. Dad's baritone voice is likely still singing out the praises of Jesus these days, in a much better place.

I thank the Lord for my Dad."

This memory comes from Maggie Salewski: "My memories of my Dad will always stay with me. He raised 9 children and we had clothes and a roof over our heads. My Dad passed away 10 years ago, on June 2, and even though I was the last one, his number 9 child, he always had time for me. He taught me many things about life.

My favorite memory is when I was 12 years old. I broke my ankle severly while I was in Ohio at my sister's brother-in-law's farm. I was riding a pony and he tried to get me off by bucking. I fell off and the pony lost his balance and fell on my ankle. I had to stay in Ohio for two months because of the severity of the damage. I spent two weeks in the hospital and then three more weeks to change the cast. Anyway, I had to learn how to walk again, not easy when you are in a cast for 4 months. They weren't sure what the damage would be, but I came out like a trooper.

This is the part my Dad comes in. The next summer, every chance he could, he would take me riding on a ranch in Carlton. They hooked me up with a gentle quarterhorse mare. At first I was just lead around by someone, but after a month, I was riding full blast and begging my Dad to buy me that horse. I never got the horse, but that memory will always be in my heart.

I love you Dad and I miss you soooooo much. Maggie"