A Dedication

Moving back to the Midwest has enabled me to get closer to a larger portion of my family.  Siblings I haven't had a lot of contact with over the last fifteen years as well as Mom and Dad.  With the recent addition of the twins to the ever growing family I've been able to see Mom and Dad even more then I thought I would and this past Monday night I was able to meet for what has become almost a weekly meeting with either one or both of them.  After discussing different things the topic turned to the future.

Let me pause for a moment.  When I look at the future I have always seen them in it.  I have refused to take them out.  They can't not be there.  Right?  I've thought this way for years and in the back of my mind I've always known this was wrong.  However, I was young and naive.  Now, I've seen death.  I've seen it up close and personal.  It happens.  It is very real.  Death brings a new meaning to life.  You appreciate it more.  You appreciate life and you respect death. 

As we sat we Dad and Mom both talked about heritage and what they hope will happen after they are gone. I started really listening to what they had to say.  (Not that I don't normally)  Almost as if I'd never see them again.  I know their intent wasn't to make me think they were dying or that they were giving me their "last requests" and I hope that when they read this they don't think that.  But I did realize that Dad was being Dad.  (And Mom was too...being mom.  She was being the godly mother I love love and respect).  The man I respected.  No.  The father I love and respect.  For years he and mom both have been telling us to stay strong in our faith.  Not only have they been telling us, but they've been training us.  For years, every morning before school we would sit and listen to Dad read out of the Bible and Mom read from a book.  Then they would pray with us and we'd be off to school.  So I know that both his and mom's desire is that we continue the Godly heritage they have built in us.  That has been their goal for my entire life.   What I appreciate is that Dad and Mom both weren't just doing this "for fun."  This was a way of life.  Dad has always stood and stands for what he believes in.  Mom is right there with him.    They have weathered storms from every direction.  Together they have stood, like a lighthouse. That is the heritage I hope to pass on to my children, if I have any.  If I don't then I hope that the knowledge they have entrusted to me will bless those around me as I have been blessed.    "Oh may all who come behind us, find us faithful." (Steve Green)