Today marks the two year anniversary of my dads departing of this world and entering into the presence of Heaven. On July 15, 2010 I received a phone call that brought me to my knees. There are days when it all seems like forever ago…and others that feel like it was yesterday, literally.
[If you’re new to this blog- you can start here and here to be caught up on my dad blogs]
That call….forever rocked my world and somehow in the midst of it all….there is a peace, a confidence, a very clear message, a deep blessing, a game changer- that has gripped my heart tightly and changed my perspective and the way I view my life and purpose on this earth.
I miss talking with my dad. We never needed a reason to call each other- just a “HEY! What are you doing?” would start off the perfect conversation. We had such an awesome relationship….it was open, honest and real. He loved me through my teenage years, while I wasn’t making the best decisions in life and was always there to encourage me through the seasons that required more Faith and risking it all. He was there for me- always.
As I prepare to become a mother…I can’t help but think about what it would be like to have my dad here by my side. [He would really have a reason to call me KELLI BELLY!!!] He would have been the BEST grandpa ever! I mean, who wouldn’t love sitting on the hood of the car to watch airplanes land and take off, while eating snow cones? I loved this as a kid! My dad treasured QUALITY TIME….and that’s my desire as I raise this baby of our own.
As I went through boxes of things that my dad had saved over the years….I ran across this college assignment from a Freshman Communication class at Azusa Pacific University. WOW! I couldn’t believe he saved this piece of paper. But then again….I’m beginning to understand it. This paper was a reflection of what his daughter thought of him- the way she viewed the job he did as her earthly father. It also resembles the heart of our Heavenly Father….and if I am lucky enough to receive a letter such as this one day, I would keep it close to my heart as well. My dad valued being a DAD…..I recognized this years ago, and as I prepare to be a mom for the first time….I know he would be encouraging me to value this season [and great responsibility] as well.
The last line of the letter kills me, but it’s the reality of life. Life is short….live purposefully, choose JOY, live for the King and value each season you are in.
Dad, I love you. I miss you more than I could ever express on this blog of mine. There is so much more that I could learn from you. I wish more than anything that you could be here to meet your grandson in just a few weeks. However, your legacy is one that he will know of and for that I am thankful. Until I see you again….xoxo
