My Dad

My mom sent us a text tonight saying the doctor came in to release them to go home, and they were packing quickly! It's amazing to think that he had open heart surgery on Monday and is going home on Thursday! He did remarkably well the whole time!

I want to be the kind of person that my dad is....he cares SO much about other people. On Monday as we sat in the waiting room, we had to have seen 50 or more people come and go wanting to check in on him. This was just during his surgery. We had family, friends, church members....they were all there to support their friend. It was overwhelming and yet so awesome at the same time. It makes you look at your life and think, am I loving others in such a way that they would care so much about me? Or, is my life all about ME?

And before he went to surgery, he said "This is a Win/Win. If this is God's time for me, I get to meet Jesus today...and if not, I get a whole new start" And I knew he really meant it...REALLY. I didn't want to talk about that part, or even acknowledge that it had gone through my head, but there he was ready to stare it in the face and even talk about it. I want to be like that....

My dad is so amazing....he has done so much. Yes, he has accomplished a lot. But more than that, he is just an amazing, God loving, person. He keeps life in perspective...and lives a life of purpose.

My favorite part of his recovery in the hospital was when he wanted to get up and start walking. They had a walker for him and it had a bell on it. It was like the little bell that we had on our bikes and would ring it when we rode down the street. So here dad is trying to make a lap around the nurses station, all the while, ringing his bell! It cracked me up and the nurses loved it too.

Dad, I am so thankful that God put YOU as my dad. I am so proud to be your daughter. I think you are an amazing father and husband. Just from watching, it appears that this surgery has brought you and mom closer (if that is even possible). When I was in the ICU with you one day holding your hand and talking to you, mom about knocked me down to get to you. I LOVED it! She knew I had my time with you and now she wanted hers :) You all are best friends and forever mates. I can't wait until Greg and I have shared as many years together as you all have!

Lord, I asked you to protect my dad and I thank you for your provision. As I prayed for him, all I could imagine was angels being in the operating room with him....

Thank you for reminding me to TRUST....