Thursday, June 10, 2010

For Dad


Tomorrow morning I get on an airplane to fly to Florida. Unfortunately, the event is my father’s funeral. He fought a brave battle with cancer for seven years. And this was his second go around with this hideous disease.

My dad was a true fighter, and a soldier at heart. He served his country faithfully in the army in Vietnam and continued through the years in service with the Florida National Guard as an instructor, then later on served as a Master Sergeant in the Army Reserves.

What many don’t know is that my dad didn’t “acquire” his family until I was eleven years old. I knew he was father material from the start though and didn’t waste time asking him to fill that roll. I’ll never forget asking at the wedding if I could call him Dad now.

He was Dad from that day on. Later he became Papa to my girls. He filled that roll well, too. For a time there he and my youngest daughter became cancer buddies, as she called it. They shared a bond through a shared disease.

He was the first example of a person of faith to come into my life. I remember him reading his Bible every night. When he was re-diagnosed, his main concern was that his faith stay strong, and in his last days, his main concern was his family.

I’m so thankful that God brought this dear man into our lives. James Marco will be dearly missed, but my greatest comfort is in knowing he’s most likely having a conversation with Jesus, getting answers to those questions he’s been accumulating about the Bible.

And I’ll see him again one day.
Praying and believing,
Dineen

9 comments:

Ronie Kendig said...

What a beautiful memorial, my friend. I am so sorry for your loss. Love you so very much!

Unknown said...

Beautiful memories. Thanks for sharing this with the world. Praying for your family and those who loved him.

Heather Diane Tipton said...

Beautiful, Neenie. You know I'm praying girlie. I love you tons and tons!

Dee said...

What a nice photo of your dad and daughter! One to treasure. I am thankful that you have good memories.

Sarah said...

that was beautiful. it reminds me of my own Papa. he was a great father to my mom and a great stepfather to her half sisters. my Papa was such a great inspiration to me. Im so sorry for the loss of your father. he sounds like such a blessing.

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Hepzibah The Watchman said...

I am so sorry for your loss and my prayers are with you and your family.

Dineen A. Miller said...

Thanks, everyone! Appreciated your care and prayers. :-)

Solid Rock or Sinking Sand said...

I really enjoyed reading your blog. I would like to invite you to come over to my blog and check it out. God's blessings. Lloyd

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