Fathers

It has been a lovely day with my dad and just now welcoming my husband home from Flight School in Tennessee for his first father's day. I'm feeling overly blessed by the gifts that God has given me. My dad has one of those laughs you can hear from a mile away. He loves downtrodden people easily and has given his time and talents to so many people, asking nothing in return. He is constantly telling stories, life lessons or sharing something he discovered in scripture. He loves deeply and forgives quickly. He is tenderhearted yet capable and strong. I hope to be like him when I grow up ;).

Graham getting a little lesson from his Papa Joe

My handsome husband has risen to the surprise occasion of becoming a dad in our first year of marriage. He is patient, fun, silly, tender, helpful and loving. Even now he is out mowing the grass after flying all morning and then driving back to NC from Tennessee. He cares so much for Graham and I in very tangible ways. I am not ignorant that having Corey in my life is a complete gift that I do not deserve whatsoever.

I just spent the afternoon at the Humphrey's house having a cook-out (barbecue as we would say in NYC). Don and Charlotte are second parents to me and grandparents to our little Graham. Having my brothers, Jenn & Crystal there all holding and loving on little Graham made me a bit emotional.

We got to see my Papal Drake this week too and he also got to hold and love Graham. I definitely miss my Paw Gene today. Normally we with cousins, aunts, uncles would all gather around him as a family reminiscing our childhoods on the Alexander farm. Also, I can't forget my new father in law, Roger. He raised this wonderful man I get to call my husband and supports us so generously in so many ways.

I know that with a day of celebrating for many also brings sadness for others. I'm thinking of a few friends who are going through this weekend without their dads and some for the first time. Praying the Lord's presence as your father is felt and is salve to your hearts.

Happy Father's Day to my dad, my husband (for the first time), to Roger, Don, Papal Drake, my uncles and the other men who have shaped who I am today.