My last conversation with Dad over the phone ended the way they usually did; “Thanks Dad, I love you.” I often prayed that I could be with my Dad when the Lord called him home, but God, in His wisdom providentially decreed otherwise. He took him home quickly from a golf course as he approached the 18th green. I cannot think of a more appropriate place unless it had been with his family. But, if I had been with him I would have, of course, told him that I loved him and I would have mentioned many other things that I’m thankful for… here are just a few of them…
Thanks Dad for…
being my best friend
being my Father … I never wanted another one
being my coach not only in sports but in life
Thanks Dad for…
making me so proud of you,
always calling me Son
giving me Mom and three great sisters
Thanks Dad for…
teaching me how to hit a baseball,
how to shoot a basketball and block out for a rebound,
to make a wrap up tackle in football,
and sharing the joy of a round of golf on a summer afternoon with my best friend – you.
Thanks Dad for…
teaching me the joy of reading
the excitement of history
the magic of stories and storytelling
Thanks Dad for…
showing me how to love, honor and respect my parents, by the way you loved yours.
taking me into your everyday life
sharing with me the places you grew up and the stories of your life in those same places
Thanks Dad for….
showing me the importance of family
and how to be a Dad,
and how to both work hard and play hard.
Thanks Dad for….
not sending me to church but taking me
giving me wisdom about how to live life and to enjoy life
explaining how I could have eternal life in Christ
reminding me that God’s grace is greater than my sin
returning to the Lord, finishing strong and seeking to bring others across the finish line with you
Thanks Dad for…
being my Daddy,
giving me your name to both bear and wear for life
loving me and,
for not only being my Dad but also for being my hero.
And thank you Lord for…
giving me not just any Dad but one who became my best friend and hero.
Mammy, that 8-year-old grandson, who read the Bible for you after school every day because you couldn’t read and then prayed with you as you interceded for everyone in the Reeder family; he is now with you, along with all nine of your children and many other grandchildren. Thanks for praying Mammy. And thanks Lord for answering so graciously while she prayed so tenaciously.
Now Mammy, more are home and more are coming.
Dad, not one day goes by that I don’t miss you (and Mom). Would love to have one more time “play catch” or “tee it up” or a “Golden Gloves Friday night” or another late afternoon at Sunset Beach, or just hear another Reeder family story. While that will not be happening on this side, Dad, I’ll see you, Mom, Vickie and Amy soon because of our Lord’s faithfulness. Beth and all of our families are coming home too! Tell Mom we won’t be late, our Savior will see to it…
A forever grateful Son
In Perspective 