60 Seconds – A Famous Father

A great man died today. He wasn’t a world leader, a famous doctor, a war hero, or a sports figure. He was no business tycoon, and you will never see his name in the financial pages. But he was one of the greatest men who ever lived. He was my father.

I guess you might say he was a person who was never interested in getting credit or receiving honors. He did corny things like pay his bills on time, go to church on Sunday, and serve as an officer in the PTA. He helped his kids with their homework, and drove his wife to do the grocery shopping. He got a great kick out of hauling his teenagers and their friends to and from football games.

Tonight is my first night without him. I don’t know what to do with myself, so I am writing to you, Ann. I am sorry now for the times I didn’t show him the proper respect. But I am grateful for a lot of other things.

I am thankful that God let me have my father for 15 years. And I am happy that I was able to let him know how much I loved him. That wonderful man died with a smile on his face and fulfillment in his heart. He knew he was a great success as a husband and a father, a brother, a son, and a friend. I wonder how many millionaires can say that.

15 Years Old & Lonely

Carmen Renee Berry and Lynn Barrington, in Daddies and Daughters, wrote, “No one knows the true worth of a man but his family. The dreary man drowsing, drop-jawed, in the commuter train, the office bore, the taciturn associate – may be the pivot of a family’s life, welcomed with hugs, told the day’s news, asked for advice. No longer Mr. B, but Dad. No longer a nonentity, but a man possessed of skills and wisdom; courageous and capable, patient and kind, respected and loved.”

Ephesians 6:1, 2, “Honor…your father.”