I have mixed emotions on Father's Day each year. I don't really remember most of the Father's Days I've celebrated since I became a father in 1976. The one Father's Day I will always remember came in 2005. Early in the morning, my daughter Melody and I sat in a waiting room at our local hospital, waiting for my son Ben and his wife Patti to arrive from Minnesota. When I had called him in the middle of the night to tell him that his mother had died in her bed, he had asked me to keep her connected to the life support system until he arrived. Ben and I sat on opposite sides of Susi until that precious heart stopped beating. After 25 years of suffering, My best friend went home to Heaven.
I don't remember much about Father's Day in 2006; but when it arrived in 2007, my father had been gone for four months. By that time, however, my life had begun to change.
This Father's Day finds me married to a different Susie (now my best friend and an amazing lady) for almost 11 years. In addition to my two biological children, I have gained four more. All six of my children and their spouses are among my dearest friends. I also have become grandfather to 10 precious children. Because of these incredible people whom God has placed in my life, today is truly a happy Father's Day to me. Thank you, Susie, my children, and my grandchildren, for making my life wonderful. I love you all.