Yesterday in our morning service, we honored Sarah’s graduation from Regent University with a video I made. I hope you enjoy watching it.
And if you have to wipe a tear or two . . . well, join the club.
One of our dear blog (and in real life) friends, Ann Martin, sent this photo a couple of days ago. She had received a thank you card from Duke and happened to see a familiar face on the front of it. How cool is that?
here is a picture of Noah last month on his way to his preschool graduation ceremony. He is rocking that vest!
His little sister is pretty cute, too. She has got that posing thing down to an art form.
Madi turned four years old yesterday. (I know. I can’t believe it either.)
She loves unicorns so Steve and I got her this outfit.
I can’t talk about Noah and Madison without giving you a glimpse of sweet Grayson!
(Grandbaby number four is due the first week of September.)
with their cousins and their other grandpa on Father’s Day.
The amazing dads of all those amazing kids. I love that Nathan’s brothers-in-law are not just relatives but also friends.
Steve’s dad, Ken, got his wings as an Air Force fighter pilot on June 10, 1954. Four days later, he and Vernie got married.
Last week Ken was talking to Steve on the phone about the two occasions and he quipped, “I got my wings on June 10 and I got them clipped on June 14.”
Here is a recent photo of those two dear folks. Sixty-five years of marriage!
my mom, Jo Ann, is continuing to recover from knee replacement surgery. My brother, Phil, stopped in for a visit.
Another picture of her and Phil a few years ago. Brave lady!
She and dad would have been married 63 years on June 9.
A gorgeous lady.
Parents age.
New grandchildren are born.
Children graduate.
Graduates turn into adults.
And then those freshly minted adults will go on to celebrate anniversaries and milestones until at some point down the road, one of their children will write accounts of the stories of their lives.
My goal is to make it a good story.
What about you?
I only mentioned Father’s Day briefly but wanted to ask:
What is the most important thing you learned from your dad?
Finish the sentence. Father’s Day is hard for me because _____________
Wow – Becky, that video is priceless. You did such a fantastic job, for us to see Sarah as a baby and through the years she was ill. and now, Praise the Lord, her graduation. She is such a precious young lady and parents who have laughed, cried, skipped (thanks Steve) and been with her, encouraging her through all things. Great pictures of the family too. My dad – I have appreciated his desire to serve the Lord after being an entertainer – in bars. I have written before how he came to know the Lord, and for him to leave the “world” behind and serve the Lord gladly as a pastor, is so precious to me. Both he and my mom passed away in 2012. I’m so glad you still have your mom, and Steve has his mom and dad with them. Thanks Sarah for allowing us to be a part of your life through all these years.
Sharyn,
I am like you–I love the skipping pictures with Steve and Sarah. 🙂 Thanks for your encouraging words about the video; it was such a joy to do!
I can’t imagine losing both parents in the same year; what a difficult time that must have been for you and for your family. Your dad’s background was similar to Steve’s, entertaining in clubs and bars. He sounds like he was a great man and a great influence on you.
I learned hard work from my Dad. He is just now retiring (68years old) and he has worked hard all 45+ years of his career. He is in marketing and has worked with lumber companies. He hardly takes days off and he is there from 7am-5pm everyday. I feel badly for him, tho. He has worked so hard for so long and now he can’t enjoy retirement with Mom- she died last year. I’m not sure what his retirement will look like now, but I pray it’s a good one for him.
I don’t care for Father’s Day because of the fact that my son has no Dad. Sure, he has a father, but he hasn’t seen him since he was 9 months old (he is 4 now). He doesn’t ask about him or anything. I’m glad that he has my Dad to be the male influence in his life.
I always love to see updates of your parents. They are all such special people and I’m glad to hear that all is good with them.
God Bless your week.
Krista,
Those are some long hours your dad has worked, especially being near 70. Sounds like his example of being a hard worker has made an impression on you! I know it will be difficult for him when he retires to figure out what to do without your mom to spend that extra time with. But he sounds like such a go-getter; I have no doubt he will find worthwhile things to fill his time with.
I can only imagine how difficult it is for you when Father’s Day rolls around each year since your son’s dad isn’t present in his life. That is such a deep heartache. This Sunday our youth pastor will be speaking and his topic will be growing up in a home without a dad. It’s a very real thing that so many families face and we want each of those families to know they are not alone. May God give you grace as you continue to raise that wonderful boy!
Dear Becky, I have had school assignments that were less difficult than commenting on today’s blog! (wink) Your video was so professionally done, I’m still stunned from watching it (three times.) My three favorite photos (not easy) were you holding Sarah when she looked frightened and in pain, Sarah in her blue hat, and Pastor Steve hugging Sarah after graduation. I think it would have been impossible for your readers to watch your video without tears. (FWIW, one of the proudest days of my life was taking Sarah and Will to the Botanical Gardens. I felt that in a very small way, I was part of Sarah’s story that day.) It’s hard to comprehend that Sarah’s story is so fascinating… and yet she’s only just begun! It is with trepidation that I answer your questions about Father’s Day. Well (sigh) the most important thing I learned from my father was not to be like him. And I guess that answers the second question. My story would be incomplete if I did not point out that although my father deserted my mother and me, and I grew up without a dad… GOD DID NOT LEAVE ME THAT WAY. HE put me next to a beautiful young lady in my college marching band, we were married in 1968, and my father-in-law became my DAD. He was everything a DAD should be to a son, and he taught me everything a DAD should teach his son… most importantly, to spend time with your children. God doesn’t do things halfway, although at times we wonder when our prayers will be answered. In my case, HE gave me the Deluxe In-Law Family Package, including a perfect WIFE, wonderful DAD and MOM, four incredible uncles and aunts (and cousins) and two grandmothers. (That’s a lot of greeting cards!) I always worried that I wouldn’t be a good dad because of my family background… and I was so wrong. No matter what came up, I just did what Lucy’s dad would have done! So, at this stage of my life, on Father’s Day I can look at my adult sons, and beautiful granddaughters and feel that I was the dad that God wanted me to be.
Fred,
THANK YOU for taking the time to tell a difficult story that I’m sure was unpleasant to have to go back and recount. That story from the past made the story from your marriage onward shine all the brighter. Your dad showed you what not to do; your dad-in-law showed what you what to do, and you took all the lessons life presented to you and became an outstanding dad. Makes me want to stand up and cheer!
And I loved what you said about being part of Sarah’s story. I told the family about that line at dinner last night and they were very touched by it.
So glad you loved the video. It was such a joy to get to tell Sarah’s story in pictures.
What a great video. I’m sure there were many not so dry eyes in church.
I think the most important thing my dad taught me was a great work ethic. I can remember him always having some kind of side job besides working full time. I’d like to say he taught me to be handy but my dad is about the least handy person. Just yesterday they had to call a plumber as my dad had taken apart the kitchen sink sprayer and couldn’t get it back together. He also taught me to love Jesus, both of my parents did.
Phyllis,
I love the fact that even though your dad probably knows that he is not handy, he STILL had the gumption and the optimism to take apart the sprayer. That’s my kind of guy! 🙂 Love it.
Becky,
What a wonderful video, and yes, the tears did flow. I am honored to be among those who have followed Sarah’s story since she was first diagnosed. Sarah is a very special person and Nathan an awesome big brother. Kudos to you and Steve for doing such a wonderful parenting job! The love you all share is so obvious!
One of my fondest memories of my Dad…every night after dinner, he would sit down with his newspaper and do the crossword puzzle. I, starting at about age 4, would squeeze in next to him and want to help. He, very patiently as he was doing his puzzle, would say to me, “ok, here’s one you should know” and would read a clue to me. He would wait for my answer, and if I didn’t answer correctly would give me additional clues until I got it and only then would he fill it in. By the way, he only used pens when he did his puzzles, and continued doing them and sudoko puzzles (in ink) until he left us at the age of 94 in June of 2008. His love of puzzles rubbed off on me and I still enjoy doing them (also in ink).
Hugs to all of you,
Linda in Pittsburgh
Linda,
I have to say how impressed I am by your dad’s patience! I’m sure doing the crossword was meant to be his little window of “me time” to unwind after a long day. But to welcome you into those moments and make you feel a part of his world was priceless.
I also love that all that puzzle-doing paid off and you still do crosswords. You are both VERY brave to do them in ink. I have never gotten the courage–although I DO love a good crossword!
Thanks for following along with us so long. We are so honored by our long-timers. (Sounds better than old-timers.) 🙂
What a touching video of Sarah’s growing up years! She has turned into an outstanding young lady and I wish her the very best! The grandkids are all so adorable. We only have one and he’s already 9 years old! He’s the light of our lives and we rarely go a day without seeing him. We are blessed beyond measure.
Gayle,
You are so blessed to get to see your grandson so often. Even after you are gone, your presence in these growing up years will form such an important foundation of his life. Enjoy every moment!
Oh my gosh…..your little’s are just so precious and getting so big!! Sweet Grayson is sprouting teeth and miss Madi looks like she has lost one. (?) And Noah is just SO handsome!!
The video is great and made me realize just how long I have been following Sarah! Yes, I got teary-eyed too, in a very happy and proud sort of way. 🙂
I have learned so many wonderful things from my dad that I can’t pick just one. However, he taught us to be honest, to work hard and to love God and all three of these things are with me daily. Father’s day isn’t hard for me yet since my dad is still alive and healthy and I am hoping he will be with us for many years to come. (His goal is to make the century club. Only 11 years to go!) My awesome father-in-law died in 1991 though and on Father’s day that year so that makes the holiday bittersweet for sure.
LeeAnne,
I love that it’s so hard for you to pick one thing from the many things you learned from your dad. That’s a good “problem” to have! 🙂
Your top three were great ones, though. Be honest. Work hard. Love God. Doesn’t get much better than that.
Here’s hoping he’ll be around to celebrate being in the century club!
What a joyful post! I really enjoyed the walk down memory lane with Sarah’s video…so many sweet memories. Your grandchildren are all adorable and Madi does have her posing perfected! In the pictures you shared, Steve looks so much like his Dad and you so favor your Mother. And what wonderful love stories they, and you continue to model for the younger generations. I hope you all have a wonderful week!
SueEllen,
Yes, Steve is definitely a replica of his dad! We are grateful to have the wonderful example of the generations that have gone before us. Hoping to pass down the good stuff to the generations to follow.
Glad you enjoyed the video; I LOVED making it.
Yep, the tissues are out! I remember the first time I met Sarah she was not even walking yet! My Dad taught me so many things for a few: That integrity was so very important. To love people as they were whether I agreed or not. That I was stronger than I believed possible. And that doing “not girly” stuff (motorcycles, some risk taking adventures, etc.) back in the 60s & 70s was perfectly great! I miss him, his baritone voice, his strong hugs, his faith in me. I’ll see him again – God allowed me to be the one to lead him to the Lord. But, I do miss feeling like someone’s little girl!
Guerrina,
I think it’s so cool when a dad encourages his daughter to be herself and not just be “girly” because that’s expected. Good for you and good for him!
His voice, his hugs, his faith . . . such great things to remember. And I know you also hold close the memories of when you WERE his little girl. The sweetness of those memories never leaves.
Wonderful tribute to Sarah. An amazing girl with an amazing family. The grandchildren are adorable, your mom looks like she is coming along.! 🙂
My dad is 95, I don’t know if he actually taught me anything. OK, wait a minute haha, he taught me how to dive in a swimming pool. LOL Mostly, my mom did all the teaching, he worked all the time and i dont remember him too much growing up. My parents divorced when I was 12 and we moved far from him, because my mom wanted to return to her home base(new england). After that he would visit us once a year for 2 hours on a thursday(i kid you not!). He was mostly a stranger. Since his 80s, he has mellowed and made more of an effort with us, so that has been nice. He’s a very odd, eccentric genius. His grandkids get a kick out of him. My siblings and I are very accepting of who he is and my mother had taught us to never take his lack of interest personally, that it had nothing to do with us, he just wasnt capable of being a dad in the traditional sense. Because of her, we are able to have a good relationship with him now because none of us hold any resentment toward him. He was who he was and our mom completely took up the slack. Personally, I think he has Aspergers. So so so inteligent–Cardio-Thoracic surgeon, Assistant surgeon general of the US, amongst many other things etc but no relationship skills whatsoever. LOL.
This Father’s Day has been sad for our family because my son and daughter-in-law are in the process of losing their first pregnancy. My heart hurts so much for them, it is a very difficult time. She is older, so there is not a lot of time left for them to have a biological child. We are hanging onto hope for the future, sometimes that’s all there is. And love, there’s always love.
Lesley,
What an interesting, multi-layered comment.
First of all, kudos to your mom. She sounds like an amazing person, insightful, patient, big-hearted, and non-petty. There aren’t a lot of wives/mothers who would have taken the path she did. So many of them would have spent their lives bad mouthing their ex and turning their children against him. I can tell by the tone of your comment that you truly do admire and love your dad and understand that he wasn’t emotionally equipped to a dad. But you still hold him in high esteem and that is a credit to your mom. And how amazing to have your dad be the assistant surgeon general! Smart, smart guy!
I am so sorry to hear that your son and daughter-in-law have lost their first pregnancy. Steve and I lost ours, too, and it is such a tough, tough thing to go through. I was relatively young at the time so we knew we had plenty of time to try again. I know it’s got to be a whole different feeling when the mom-to-be is older.
Hanging onto hope for the future right along with you . . . and being grateful for the love that walks us through the darkest valley.
Father’s Day is not hard for me because I have wonderful memories of an awesome Daddy who taught me to love, follow Christ and always do my best. He always said if something was worth doing it was worth doing it right. Taught us the love for a garden and enjoying the vegetables. I had a difficult time the first couple of years after he passed but now just wonderful memories. Loved the video of Sarah. So thankful we have been able to be a part of those years since 2003. Proud of her and her accomplishments. Your Mom is brave! I would not ride like that. Thanks for the blog you do each week keeping us a part of your family. ????
Ann,
Sounds like you took your dad’s lessons to heart . . . especially the part about loving to grow things. You always post the most beautiful pictures of what you are growing on FB. I’m jealous of your green thumb! I’m sure you feel very close to your dad when you are among your plants. What a great way to honor him.
We are thankful you and Jim been a part of our lives for these sixteen years. Many blessings to you today.
Yep, teary eyed, lump in the throat, sniffles. Goodness, what a beautifully powerful video. There are no words–just thankful. ♡
Loved seeing the pics of all the other loved ones too!
As far as Father’s Day, I miss our dad, but thankful he is safe in heaven. I guess a major life lesson he taught me was perseverance. You just keep going no matter the challenges. I can sure see that trait in the Smiths as well!
Love to you all–you’re amazing!
Love, Deb
Deb,
Yes, we definitely learned perseverance from dad. And what a great lesson that was.
Thanks for the sweet words about the video. It was such a joy to put together. I did get emotional creating it but got even MORE emotional watching it in church, sitting beside Steve and Sarah. So thankful!
Yes, certainly had to join the “tear wiping club” after that video of Sarah! I think the one picture that has always stuck in my mind from all the years of following your story is the one with Sarah in the pink outfit, walking down the hall with Nathan pushing the IV pole. And another picture that I remember that I don’t think was in the video was her “Car fund” envelope and her “College Fund” envelope (even though I can’t remember exactly how she spelled College).
And speaking of Father’s Day, it is especially hard because I lost my Dad when I was only 19 years old. I get all sentimental when I think of all the things in my life that he wasn’t around to witness in person: my wedding, the birth of our son and the graduation of our son (first one in our family to graduate with a bachelor degree) and numerous others that I can’t think of thru all my tears!!
Donna,
I love that picture, too. Such a perfect example of the way Nathan so lovingly cared for his big sister. I don’t even know where they were headed off to in that photo. Maybe out to the lobby to the vending machine or maybe just doing laps in the halls. But the love is so obvious–where ever they were headed.
I can’t imagine what it would be like to lose your dad at such a young age. I try to picture Sarah losing Steve at 19 and cannot even fathom it.
As you so eloquently wrote, that sense of loss, the sense of missing him, the thinking about all that HE is missing are some of the hardest things about losing someone so dear to you. I’m sorry he wasn’t there to celebrate your son’s graduation. There is nothing to take the sting of that regret away.
His memory lives on strong in you and in your son . . . and in the love he left behind for all of you.