Today will mark another "first" in this new journey we are on ~our first time to not have either of our Franks. My heart and prayers went out for Neely and Scott and then Frances, Chandler, Zach and Chase. And then the list went on....
As I prayed through these feelings of loss, I reminded myself that happiness is a choice. I know I've preached that motto to my kids many times. Whoever coined it, must be proud of himself. I can either focus on what we've lost (which is an involuntary action I can assure you) or focus on what we have.
I am so blessed to have my Daddy. Happy Father's Day to a man a respect and love very much.
We are also blessed to have godly men in our lives that love us and continue to be an influence to the kids. I am so grateful for them as I named them one by one this morning in thanksgiving.
Right next to this computer - Frank's computer - is a Beannie Baby the kids gave their daddy in 2001. The kids would have been 9, 7, and 5 at the time. It's little tag (that tag is important, you know!) reads: "My dad has such a great big heart, He's kind and funny and really smart, He always finds the time to play, I want to be like him someday." "POPS" has sat in Frank's office all these years and is now in our kitchen, in what we had turned into Frank's nook so he could work downstairs. As I stare at this navy plush reminder of.... well.... what was.... I still must choose to be thankful.
We also have wonderful memories to cherish. The legacy both Frank's left on their children is a good one. We speak of them often - sometimes with laughter, sometimes with tears, but always with a smile. And as intense as these feelings of loss are right now, I have to remind myself often that although life will never be the same, the intensity will get better with time. At least that's what the books say..... and I'm counting on that!
It's been 7 weeks, 4 days. Summer is in full swing. Chase left yesterday for Colorado with the youth at church. Zach will go to Padre Island and Chandler and I have a mother/daughter trip to the lake I'm really looking forward to. And of course we're staying busy at home as well.
Thank you for your sweet cards and encouraging comments to Chandler's post. They've meant so much to her - and all of us.
Yep, it's Father's Day. And we are ~ still ~ blessed.
"I will love You, oh Lord, my strength." Psalm 18:1
"But I will hope continually, and will praise You yet more and more. My mouth shall tell of Your righteousness and Your salvation all the day.... Psalm 71: 14-15
7 comments:
Dear Peggy and Family,
My words of comfort seem inadequate as you experience this first Father's Day in the face of such loss. May God continue to hold you all ever so gently....
Love,
Jeanne
May our sweet, precious Lord continue to bless you with His grace and strength.....
Thank you for sharing your heart! Can't imagine the difficult day for you and the kids and yet, you always look for the good in every situation! God living in and through you is such a testimony to His love and grace. You are still in my thoughts and prayers.
Peggy, Chandler, Zach, and Chase,
I thought of you and prayed over you often yesterday. No doubt God has you in the palm of His hand through these difficult firsts.
Much love,
Sarah (Wilson) Miles
You are truly amazing, Peg! Your words and Chandler's the other day are so eloquent & inspiring--you are both very strong ladies. God's grace shines through you both! love you! Colleen :)
what Colleen said. she worded perfectly what I was thinking!
baby steps through all these 'firsts'...
i admire you so much!
robin d
Peggy and Chandler,
As I read your posts, I am reminded that faith in God and His everlasting love is truly our only refuge, and that only He can help us stand or walk through every circumstance we encounter on this earth. Thank you for sharing your pain and for being real, as you show us all how to lean on God alone through the most difficult, painful times in our lives. Your words and lives give glory to Him-thank you for modeling such faith.
Sending love and prayers,
Karen Greene
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