Katy:
Dad,
How do I even begin to put into words how much you mean to me? How much I love you? I really can’t express the depth that my love goes for you. We’ve always been connected. You have always made me feel seen, heard and known. You wonder how I was secure in myself, how I’ve never wandered down different paths, it’s because of you. My daughter heart has been protected and secured by her father. You have always spoken identity over me, into me, making sure I know who I am in Jesus. You are my soundboard. I know I can go to you and you will tell me the truth. Through every stage of life I’ve had you to go to for advice. You are such an amazing listener, and even when I speak in circles you understand what I’m trying to say because you know me best. You love me best. You are my safe place. My daddy.
You have built such a strong foundation in me. That when tough times or hard decisions come up in life I hear your wisdom.
“Never quit before a job is done”
“Work as if your boss is always watching you.”
“Always lead by example. Serving others first”
“Always be teachable. Growing yourself, investing in what matters”
“Feed your marriage first”
“Find the beauty in each situation”
“Be a woman of my word”
“Be in the Word, let Holy Spirit speak through it. Spend time in His presence.”
The way you use simple life tasks to teach life lessons stuck in my mind. Most of all it shown what a present dad you are. You have always been there for us kids. In moments of picking weeds, to hiking convos, movie date car rides, sporting events, piano recitals, dance performances, tournaments, friend drama, post youth group late night processing chats, laying on your chest while you rocked me, and jacuzzi convos. You have been there. I can always count on my dad. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world to get to say that. Not many can. When I say I have the best dad ever, I mean every dang word! I wouldn’t change a single thing about you. My own friends count you as such an influential father in their lives. That influence goes far and wide.
Thank you for showing me Jesus. In the way you love others. How you serve our family, the church, and your friends. You have shown me what it looks like to be bold in convictions. I have so many clear memories of being out to eat and you listening to Holy Spirit and praying for a stranger and you would make me come pray with you. Of course at the time I was like “oh my goshhhh” haha but that example instilled a boldness inside me to be like Jesus no matter if it fit in my schedule or not. To always have my eyes, ears, heart open to what he is doing in the now. If those around me need to see Jesus in me. To be shown kindness and love. You are a great example of always being in tuned with what He is doing. You reveal the Kingdom where ever you step. Your devotion to Him has always been beautiful. Your passion to see his Kingdom come on Earth as it is in Heaven bleeds through everything you do and say. It is contagious.
I love you so much Dad.
Love your daughter forever!
Ben:
Poppi,
I will keep this short as I get the honor of sharing the Gospel at your service, which will be my greatest honor and a (hopeful) testament to the relationship we had.
I feel robbed that I only got 7 years with you. But I am so thankful that those 7 years had the impact of a lifetime (and eternity).
I am going to miss a lot of things.
I will miss talking Clemson and Southern Cal football, the LA Chargers and the Lakers, and painfully watching taped games with you. Full confession, I would always check the live scores on my phone because I am too curious and would just keep watching with you because you made it so fun. Forgive me!
I will miss talking all things Jesus and theology. As others have said, you had a specific language that you spoke/understood and it was one I spoke with passion. I miss you asking “What is God teaching you right now?” and helping me apply it to being a better man/husband/father/worker/lover of Jesus. I even miss you asking random 7am questions like “How do you think the dinosaurs fit into the biblical narrative?” while I was just waking up and not coherent.
You took me in as one of your own. I never felt like an in-law, or even an “in-love” as you put it. I felt like a son. You showered affection on me and loved to see me succeed. You trusted me with your most cherished earthly gift, your daughter. I am forever grateful for that. I will hold my promise of loving her like you did until my last breath.
You loved my kids so well. You sat them in your lap, you rubbed their backs, you prayed for them, you spoke truth over their lives, and you laid on the ground to play with them in a way that made their eyes light up. You created a legacy that burns in me and will run through my kids and their kids for generations to come.
My throat closes up and my eyes water thinking about you not being here and us having to navigate a new normal that doesn’t include you physically. You are pain free and with the One you so adored.
You fought the good fight, you kept the faith, and you finished your race.
Well done, Poppi. Well done.
I will share His beauty until I see you again. Soon.
Ben
(Your favorite son)