Fathers Day

There will never be enough ink or time to write about what a wonderful father Emery is.

Our children love him so much. But, what is truly the "frosting on the cake" is that they respect him. He is a very respectable man. He always has time to listen, time to help out and always limitless compassion and patience. When the girls were babies, he was always willing to rock them, change diapers, read to them and play with them. This man has willingly worked many hours a week to provide for the children and I without ever complaining.

I asked him all week long, what he would like for a gift and as always the reply was the same as it always is, " I have all I need". So I tell him to think of a "want". He never can think of one. So I took him out to his favorite breakfast spot. A place that makes him think of our road trips, The Waffle House. Then we stopped at Border Books, Home Depot and finally Starbucks for a treat. The children came over tonight with their friends, at one point there were 18 people here, 19 if we count wee Miss Mei-Ling. I served cake and ice cream and everyone wished Emery a Happy Fathers Day, only thing wrong with the day was not having Melissa and James here with us too, but she called her dad so they could chat on this day dedicated to Dad's.

We had rain on and off most of the day, but Emery and I did take time for a long walk together to the Duck Pond. Smelling the roses along the way, literally and figuratively.

Life so filled with love, all around us is such a blessing. I remember thinking when the children were small that the job of raising them was daunting. Its tiring to always be consistent, to choose to make hard decisions that are not popular with the children, to find the balance of being parents that are approachable at all times, yet not friends to you children on a level that does not have the respect that parents should receive. I remember being bone weary from having 4 children home 24/7. Homeschooling doesn't give you any free time, but it was so worth it. The times we knelt in prayer together as a family, the times Emery and I knelt in prayer together, holding hands praying for each child, (we still do) but those times were so worth it. Its paid off. Today the children showed their father how well loved and respected he is to them. They love when someone says to them, "you are so much like your dad", its a compliment to them.

He has showed his children the value of doing a good job of whatever job you have, and of living a life to help others, no matter how tired you are. His own childhood was less than good but he determined to do it better than his parents did and he sure has.

Emery, Happy Fathers Day and thanks for being a fantastic Dad to our children.

Emery is happiest when surrounded by his family

A few years ago. Dad with the children

The drive to town in the rain

Emerys favorite breakfast spot