There are many deadlines approaching, and I would appreciate your prayers. Therefore, I will be posting more guest posts this week and following, To all of your who are submitting posts, thank you for helping out!
This week will feature posts in honor of Father’s Day.
Guest Post by: Dorissa Vanover
He was my very first dancing partner. Giggling, I watched him as he twirled my mom around the living room. I knew my turn would come. And it always did. He would smile at mom, take a step toward me and guide me into a two-step or a waltz. We’d laugh at my mis-steps and keep right on going. My mom and brother sometimes plowed right into my dad and me with their own dance moves. The little bumps didn’t matter though. We all knew we were meant to dance!
Dad was an upbeat, contented family man. He enjoyed spending time with my mom, my brother, and me. From him, I learned to treasure my family and friends and to make the most of each moment.
He was an unusually happy morning person. Unlike my dad, it takes me a while to get going in the mornings. I remember, so many times, waking up on school days when Dad would turn on the light and say, “Good morning, Sunshine!” or “Rise and shine!” I just wanted him to hush and go away so I could bury my head under the covers a few minutes longer. If it was a weekend and we were going out of town to visit family, he’d say, “Get up now. We’re burnin’ daylight!” He liked to get an early start on our weekend outings.
Dad must have convinced mom that mornings were happy times because they would get up very early, drink coffee, and play Wahoo (a marble game). We’re talking 5 or 5:30 am! Nobody wakes up ready to play a board game that early! But my dad did.
He taught me to appreciate the mornings and the blessing of waking up to each new day. I still don’t play Wahoo at sunrise, though.
Dad loved to get in the car and go. Driving to Kansas to visit relatives could take several hours more than the rest of us anticipated. We might as well not be too anxious to get to our destination because Dad was enjoying the ride.
If he saw a little farm house “just down that road a bit,” and he wanted to see it close up, that’s where he’d go. He became famous in our family for his detours. Sometimes, he got us all lost; but never for too long. We always wound up where we intended – just later than if he’d taken the direct route.
Those trips became good times for driving lessons for my brother and me. Dad would sit back in the passenger seat, close his eyes and off we’d go. We knew he wasn’t sleeping and he’d help if we needed him to, but he also let us know he trusted us — and felt very confident that he had taught us well. Patient mom ― in the backseat hoping we really did know how to drive!
I loved those trips and I loved my dad for making them so much fun.
Dad worked hard to provide for us. He enjoyed his work and was thankful to have it. He’s the one who taught me to like Mondays. It didn’t matter to him that most people rated Mondays pretty low on their list of favorite days. Every day had its own special joy and Mondays were no different.
Every night, he came through the front door whistling; glad to see us, happy to be home, and ready for an evening of family time. Our meals were at the same time each night. We’d take our places at the table, bow our heads for the blessing and visit about our day as we enjoyed the meals mom prepared. Sometimes, he would tell my brother and me, “Let’s give mom the night off and do the dishes for her.” I imagine Mom loved those nights!
If my brother or I asked, Dad helped with homework. Patiently, he explained math problems or quizzed us for an upcoming exam.
Sometimes, we’d all sit in the living room together and watch television. There were three channels and all of the programs were “family friendly.”
Our home was cozy, comfortable, and secure.
Dad was of medium height and build, but he was always “bigger than life” to me. As a very young girl, I knew if I needed anything, he would see that I had it. If I was in danger, he would protect me. Of course, he was my hero.
Once, during a tornado warning, we were at the park watching my brother play in a baseball game. One of my aunts was visiting us at the time. She was not accustomed to the shrill sounds of the sirens and she was absolutely terrified of tornadoes. On our way home, my aunt was so visibly upset that I became scared, too. When Dad got us all to our house and my aunt safely inside, he sat me down and said, “Sister, there is nothing for you to be afraid of. I will take care of you as long as I can, and when I can’t, God will.” He was so calm and his voice so comforting that I immediately relaxed.
I’ve heard it said that an earthly father who is loving, compassionate, and kind makes it easier to comprehend the love of a Heavenly Father with those attributes. I knew my dad cherished me and he taught me to believe that my Heavenly Father treasured me even more.
As an adult, he often told me, “Sister, you’re pretty special.” I always felt special when I was with my dad.
He entered his heavenly home in 1999. I am so thankful that God blessed me with such a wonderful dad. The memories of him and the joyful times we shared always make me smile.
So, until we meet again, “Happy Father’s Day, Dad! I love you with all my heart!”
I was watching a kid at my school doing some pretty amazing things with—are you ready for this??—a yo-yo!! It was eye-popping cool! Not just because of his skill, but because it was so retro as to be, not just “low-tech”, but “no-tech”. (Never mind that the toy cost $150; that’s just wrong.)
