Twelve years ago today, I got the terrible news that my dad had suddenly gone to Heaven.

Just a few days ago, my sister was recalling how difficult it was for me to adjust to her move to Chicago when I was in fourth grade. I was so lonely for her. My school days were bleak, my nights were scary, and the days stretched out before me in an endless row of the mundane.

Into my loneliness stepped my father.

As Melanie and I were talking, I realized that it was at that time that I became so close to my dad. We had always shared a special bond, but it grew even more after Melanie left for college. Dad began taking me on bike rides. He asked for my help when working on the lawn mower or the cars, making me feel needed. He made the little errands out-and-about extra special by telling stories, listening to mine, pointing out the various types of wrenches, and of course, there was our staple: the hot fudge milkshake. Not chocolate  – hot fudge. He lived joyfully and it was contagious.

The Lord has been so good to me. He gave me a wonderful sister, my best friend, for nine years. When she moved away, the Lord supplied me with a dad who called me his “partner”, who laughed at my jokes; who told me, “You can do anything you put your mind to”; a man who liked me just the way I was.

When the Lord called Dad home twelve years ago today, I was not alone. I have a husband who reminds me very much of a man he only knew for seven short years. Terry is my friend. He laughs at my jokes. He tells me, “You can do anything you put your mind to.” He is a man who likes me just the way I am.

I miss my dad very much, but even on this sorrowful anniversary, I am reminded of my faithful Heavenly Father who has not left me comfortless. (John 14:18)

When it felt as though all the world had walked out, Dad walked in. How I wish he could walk in just one more time.

With love,