A few days after Dad died, my friend sent me a loving text and ended with: You won the “Dad of the century” award. He was an exceptional dad, I agree, and he did a few things incredibly well.  

Dad worked hard to heal his family and live each day without bitterness, victimhood, or resentment. I know so much of my reactivity or short temper rarely has anything to do with the moment and everything to do with needing to clean up unresolved bitterness. Dad did excellent work in this category.

Dad always spoke well of me, to me, and about me. He rarely criticized me or talked to me about my shortcomings. He saw them, but he had tremendous grace for me and overflowed with words of encouragement and love. I never doubted that my Dad deeply loved me. His belief in me gave me courage.

Dad constantly checked in on our relationship. He often asked for ways he could be a better dad. He asked forgiveness quickly and thoroughly. He noticed ways he was falling short and tried to correct himself. 

Dad lived like a bright comet in the sky. He blazed with vibrancy and power. He loved people and made this clear. He loved my friends. He adored Shann and spent time with him in meaningful ways. He poured into my children’s lives and made a goal to be the best Papa in the world. Dad lived love all out. He does deserve the Dad of the century award, in my eyes.

 “If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge and if I have a faith that can move mountains but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.” – 1 Corinthians 1:1-3

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