This Sunday will be Father’s Day. I understand that for many
people Father’s Day does not carry the impact of Mother’s
Day or even Groundhog’s Day. I know that many people did not
have the experience of having a great man for a father.
While I grieve with those who did not have a good experience
with their fathers, I must tell you I was very fortunate. My
Dad was a great man and a great Dad. He accomplished more in
his 48 years than most people do in a very long life. He
served 30 years in the Navy rising to the rank of Master
Chief and he served as a Fire Fighter for 30 years rising to
the rank of Chief. Somehow he also worked for a short time
at the Gadsden Water Works and in his down time he was a
quarterback for Auburn, that’s right Auburn. Needless to
say, my Dad had a great work ethic. He was a deacon at our
home church and often I would see him studying his Bible. My
Dad treated people with dignity and respect. His word was
his bond and no one could ever have a better friend. In his
busy life, he always seemed to make time for my brothers and
I. I remember times of throwing the football or baseball in
the front yard and playing basketball at our homemade court
out back. He showed us how to win games of horse by shooting
hoops over our heads backwards and he made sure we could tie
a tie, full Windsor. My Dad was my hero. The greatest thing
he ever did was to accept Jesus as his Savior and encourage
his family to do likewise. Because of that one thing, I will
get to see my Dad again in heaven.
Oh Yes, I also need to tell you that my Father new how to
forgive. My Day was a Navy man, but my older brother went to
West Point and while he played football at Auburn, I went to
Alabama. My younger brother played it safe and went to
Jacksonville State. My Dad never mentioned my choice of
schools. He just expected his boys to do their best. I am
thankful that I had a Dad who set the
example.
Thankful for my Dad,
Bro. Jerry
