Father

Each year I am torn because Father's Day always lands closely with our Anniversary.  We got married the day before Father's Day the year of our wedding and it made our week even more special.  I can't help but think of Father's Day when I think of our wedding.  Tonight I will write TWO posts.  One for my Dad and one for my husband.

There were times in my life when I had to wonder if my Dad would be able to walk me down that wedding aisle.  Yesterday my family was able to celebrate anew when we got the incredible news that my Dad's heart is HEALTHY!  His tests showed no changes since last year at this time.  Hallelujah, praise our God!  I continually pray for my Dad's heart to remain healthy.  I frequently wake up at night in a semi-panic and pray for God's powerful hand over my Dad's heart and health.  It is a relief to be able to thank God for answering those cries today.

I will be forever grateful that my Dad was, in fact, able to walk me down my wedding aisle.  He still likes to say that walking me down the aisle was "the shortest walk of his life".

My Dad is so sweet.  It seems that after each of his heart surgeries he became softer and softer.  The Amos family secret though, is that Dad was always the softie.  ;)  He often surprises me with my most favorite Tasty Kakes in the world:  Chocolate Juniors.  It always means so much.  When I turned 16, my Dad gave me a heart-shaped locket that I still have and love.  I remember almost crying when he gave it to me.  One of my favorite purple sweaters was picked out for me by my Dad- I love sharing with people that he gave it to me.

My Dad loves to laugh!  We can often by found laughing together.  Whether it's at my Mom who does something hilarious by accident, a ridiculous app that is secretly added to my phone, a dumb Youtube video, or watching our beloved Chail in action, we love to laugh together!

My Dad took me out on little dates starting when I was just a little girl.  I remember sitting at a high table at McDonald's eating pancakes off of a Styrofoam plate and reveling in it.  Just me and my Dad.  On beach vacations, we used to hop in my Dad's truck, just the two of us, crank up the oldies station, roll those windows down and cruise to Wawa for our sausage biscuits and coffee.  As I've gotten older, we've moved our pancake dates from McDonald's to Perkins, who Dad claims, have the best pancakes on the planet.  I agree!

My Dad is a GREAT hugger.  Countless moments exist in my memory of my Dad holding me as I cried over fears, pains, heart aches, or failures.  Countless memories exist of my Dad crying right along with me.  He always holds on tight during those moments and I can feel how much he loves and adores me.  Now that we are hours apart, when we get to see each other, there is nothing like those Dad-hugs.

My Dad has always made our family a priority.  And even now, he is dedicated to my new husband and me together.  He makes trips to visit us, sends emails, texts, and calls just to check in.  When my Dad got the package in the mail announcing that Chuck and I were going to have our first baby, he cried tears of joy.  When we had to call weeks later to tell him our baby was with Jesus, he cried tears of sorrow.  I don't think he cares about anything more than his family.

Father, I feel the same way!  I'm still your girl, and always will be.  I love you with all my heart.  HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!

(All pictures were taken by our beloved Joanna Nunemaker!)