This past weekend I flew out to Georgia to spend time with my brother David, Dede his wife and their family, Anna and Joe, my daughter and son-in-law and our newest grandchild, Sarah. I also spent time with dad.
Dad and I went to the Duke versus Clemson football game. My dad is passionate about Duke football. As a graduate of Duke, he has a few things on his bucket list and one of them is to see Duke football become the national powerhouse it once was in the 1950’s when he was a student.
It was an absolute thrill to be there together, in Durham, North Carolina and watch Duke upset #7 ranked Clemson. He said it was the greatest football game he had ever attended. I haven’t seen him so excited in years.
I’m so happy that I took the time to be with my dad. One never knows when it will the last time we are together.
Mom is gone and I’m his oldest son. The game was the excuse for the real moments of sharing, laughing, and reminiscing as we drove to and from the game. There are certain memories etched in my heart that only dad and I have. We talked about the adventures together–camping, hunting, and hiking, the people we’ve known, and the unmentionables that he only shares with me.
I cherish these times. He has been such a good father to me and there is nothing I wouldn’t do to make his twilight years a little brighter. I’m blessed with every moment we share.
Time is short. If you have an aging parent or friend that you haven’t seen in a while, consider picking up the phone and giving them a call. Catch up and just talk. They need it and you need it.
Pastor Steve
