Father Knows Best

Fathers are being celebrated all across America today. Grills are being fired up & filled with steaks to honor dad.  Golf courses are scattered with fathers who are breaking in the new clubs their kids just bought them.  My father, however, just wanted to go eat at What-a-burger.  I love that man!!  Unfortunately, I didn't get to spend this actual day with my dad, but I did have the chance to visit with & treat him to dinner this past week.  Roger Johnson is the best man I know.  He did, after all, raise me.  That alone should earn him a medal of honor.  He is patient, gentle, kind, & fully devoted to the Lord.  Not a day goes by when my father doesn't read his Bible & pray.  I am 13 days away from turning 31, & in all my years, I have NEVER heard my father speak ill, gossip, or say a cross word about anyone.  Ever.  That's incredible.  I need to be more like him in that way, for sure.  Some of the earliest memories I have is of my sweet dad taking me to the Quick Stop in Sterlington where we lived when I was in elementary school.  He always bought me an icee & a 25-cent bag of Cheetos Paws.  He never missed a t-ball game & always bought me Big League Chew because it was my favorite gum.  We watched the Chicago Cubs play on television & sang with Harry Carey during the middle of every 7th inning.  Dad was never too busy to jump on the trampoline with me & my sister. The day we took the training wheels off my pink bike, he held on until he knew I could stay in control.  My dad sat through every elementary school, junior high, high school, & college band concert just to see his daughter play the flute.  He made sure we always went on vacation, & I have fond memories of Magic Springs, Dollywood, & Disney.  Dad would always say to me, 'Meredeth Ann, give it your best, & finish strong in all you do.'  I hope that I have made him proud.  I certainly am blessed & honored to be his daughter.  Thank you, sweet dad, for all you have done & sacrificed for our family.  You're the best one, & I love you to the moon & back.