autumn sunset, 75-300mm
So, the Dodgers lost. It was disappointing, to say the least. I can see you shrugging and saying: "Well, that's the way life goes sometimes."
And then you'll give me a little nudge and smile, "Don't worry, sweetie. There's always next year!"
I don't know how you do it. Your optimism is indefatigable. Unflagging.
Even when it seems all is lost.
I remember getting that dreaded phone call.
"Sweetie," you said, your voice cracking,"your mother has Stage 3 breast cancer. It's in her lymph nodes."
I'd never heard your voice sound like that before. It shook me to the core. You've always been the encourager. But I knew in that moment it was my time to encourage you.
"Dad," I said, "we're gonna get through this. OK?"
"I know," you said, weeping. "I just don't know what the Lord is doing."
"I don't, either," I said.
"I guess we're just gonna have to trust the Lord," you said. And I smiled. You've been saying that for as long as I can remember.
"Yep. That's all we can do."
Somehow, through that dark, terrible year when everything in our lives had been turned upside down–the Lord was merciful.
Mom's life was spared. You found a job. And you trusted Him.
I want you to know that I saw how hard it was for you. I saw you struggle and flounder. I witnessed the tears, frustration, confusion and weariness.
But I also saw you turn to the Lord–and not away from Him.
I know we don't agree on everything. In fact, maybe we disagree more than we agree. There was a time when I worried that our differences would divide us.
But I underestimated the grace of God.
We've learned that it's not our differences that define us. It's how much we share in common that unites us. I've seen you choose relationship over being right. That inspires me to do the same.
Thank you.
Thank you for being a loving, involved Grandpa to my children. Thank you for being an encourager.
Most of all, thank you for never giving up to your sorrows. I love you.
Happy Birthday.
