DADDY

Well, another milestone that deserves to be marked and forever remembered; today Daddy completes his schooling to become a conductor for the railroad. Today marks the fifth week that Daddy has been away from home and oh how we’ve missed him. This journey all began back in October when Daddy was given an interview with the railroad. Let’s just say that’s when I began to have a deeper understanding of what it means to “pray without ceasing” because that’s exactly what I did throughout the whole day. Yes, it was a whole day process and with each phone call home the news seemed to be bright but yet I didn’t want to get my hopes up. Now how silly is that because I know that God only has what’s best in store for His children. My prayer was definitely centered on the concept of “not my will but Thy will be done”. A few weeks after the interview came the call that we had longed for, the job offer was extended and Daddy accepted it with confidence, knowing that God had opened this door for our family.

November 16 came before we knew it and Daddy headed off to Atlanta for schooling. This has been a challenging five weeks for the whole family. I have been faced with everyday life without my partner, my lover, my friend and it has been so much harder than I ever expected. Let me stop for a moment and say that I have a whole new appreciation for those that find themselves as a single parent. I can see why our all-knowing God intended for there to be a father and a mother. I also was surprised to see just how I missed the companionship. The phone calls were many but I missed being able to speak face-to-face, and the simple things like the touch of his hand. I feel like I just didn’t work right, you know, like I was missing some part of me.

Eli also has struggled in his own way. Boys need their Daddy’s and my how Eli missed his Daddy. The first few days brought about the tears, especially around bath time and bed time. The tears then went away as Eli was assured that Daddy would continue to call him several times throughout the day and that Daddy would indeed come back home. Eli especially missed the playtime with Daddy. First on Eli’s agenda when Daddy gets home is to “wrastle”. I have been joking with Eli that I’m going to be the first to hug Daddy’s neck and Eli’s quick to respond that “no, I am”. We go back and forth as to who’s going to be first. I guess we’ll have to see who wins out but I have a feeling that there is going to be a massive wrestling match in the airport tomorrow morning.

As for Daddy, this has been a challenging time on many fronts. Not only has Daddy missed us greatly but this has been very mentally taxing on Daddy. All he has done for the last five weeks is go to school, study, eat, and sleep. Did I mention study? I know that Daddy is tired and worn out and so ready to come home. Let me just take a moment to brag on this Daddy of yours. Daddy studied so hard and ended up graduating the top of his class. Now this is something to be proud off considering there were guys sent home because they didn’t make the grade. Daddy takes his responsibility as provider very seriously and every test or quiz taken he gave his best for his family. That responsibility has been a very heavy load on Daddy’s shoulders and I’m so glad that he can let that load down tonight.

Finally, I have to acknowledge our incredible Heavenly Father who is our ultimate provider, protector, life giver, life sustainer and the list goes on but my favorite name for Him is Abba… our DADDY. Thank you Father, for carrying us through these last five weeks.