Two Years

Well today is November 26 and two years ago today I woke up with a phone call from Aunt Pam saying that my daddy had passed away.

Two years.  730 days.  17,520 hours.

That is absolutely crazy to me.  It’s still surreal for me at times to even know that he is no longer here, but even more so today to know that we’ve now lived that long without him.

Last year Bubba and I decided to get away for Thanksgiving and the one year anniversary and head down to the beaches of the Dominican Republic.  I think that was one of the best things we did.  It was so great to be with Clay on that day and be away from home.  Being in Pasadena makes things a little bit harder and I did a much better job of remembering my dad somewhere away from home.

So this year when the opportunity presented itself to be in Uganda for the 2 year anniversary, I jumped on the chance.  I find that I remember him so much better when I'm away on the 26th and I know he'd rather me do that than to wallow in sadness for that day.

Last night I went to bed very aware of what the day would be when I woke up and it was the first thing I thought of this morning.

However, this year I can praise the Lord that my heart was in such a different place than the past two November 26ths. 

This month the Lord has shown me some great things.  One thing that I’m extremely grateful for is that for the first time my daddy is watching me in another country and not waiting by a phone for me to call and worrying if I’m alright.  He is sitting next to Jesus and cheering me on from heaven.  He is watching me without a father’s fear that he always had.  Both of my fathers are beaming with pride and watching over me every step of the way.  I was at a church service a few weeks back which was hands down one of the most joyful services I’ve ever been to and I couldn’t even understand what they were saying.  I started crying because I realized that is what my daddy gets to do every moment from now on.

Last year my heart would not have been ready to handle those revelations and be thankful for them the way that my heart is this year.  That is a testament to how faithful and trustworthy my God is.

I woke up this morning to several e-mails from friends in my life encouraging me on this day and offering prayers for me.  I cried as I read and was reminded of how the Lord put those words on my friend’s hearts and gave them the reminder of what this day is for me.  God is constantly looking out for me and loving me in some of the most creative and unexpected ways.

Thank you to everyone who has prayed for me and my family during this week and for the past two years as we have walked this journey.  I would give absolutely anything to have my daddy back here with me, but I continue to trust that God is still in control and that He is providing for me in ways that I can’t even imagine yet.

Daddy,

I miss you more than words can say and think of you at some of the most unexpected times.  Thank you for loving me more than I ever realized and for taking care of Bubba and me even after you’ve gone.  This Year of Jubilee is because of you and I couldn’t be more thankful to you and Jesus for making it possible.  I wish you were here so I could tell you everything, but you’re watching it firsthand.  I tried so many new foods yesterday...you would have been so proud!  Love you so so so much Dad.

Christy

Well I bought a can of Dr. Pepper for about $2 the other day with the thought that it would be saved for November 26.  I’m off to take a shower and shed just a few tears about missing my dad and then enjoy an ice cold Dr. Pepper.

Thank you again and again for all the love, encouragement, and support you’ve given me the past two years.