A Tribute to Dad

What I could never say to your face without crying!

To my dad; Abba, Daddy, Da-aaad (when you tell a silly joke)

How do I begin? What can I even say that will truly describe the love I have for you, the respect, the contentment in being your daughter?

Your provision, your care, the patience you held in teaching me maths when I didn’t understand most of it. How you’d brush and dry my hair sometimes to give mum a break, and somehow you were more thorough and patient! The pride you had in me, without me ever really earning it. The way you’d talk of me, loudly and fondly, to anyone who would listen.

I was your surprise last child, born when you were already wise enough to advise your married daughter and help your son move out. And to me? You were just dad, the one who didn’t really seem to change, who was always ready to tell a story, or make a joke, or welcome someone round for dinner.

You gave me a love of steam trains, a sweet tooth for cake, a curiosity for great fiction and literature, and probably my grumpiness over disliking things changing too! You gifted me more than this; I saw how confident you were, I watched you speak in public many times and lead groups without losing a single person, I listened to your passion about Israel and your kindness toward the Jewish people placed in your path - and all of this taught me how to love others well.

I think of the trips we’ve taken, the people we’ve met, the friends we share, the humour we enjoy. You were so proud of me as I grew up, and yet now it is my turn to be proud of you. I am proud of you as a dad, and now as a Taidie - a grandfather who tickles, notices the little ways the children have grown in character, and remembers to check in and see how I am doing as a mum.

You have seen me through ups and downs, always had my back, and never wavered in your love for me. Out of all the people in the world, your opinion and judgement I hold above almost any other. You are not perfect, and neither am I, but my love for you does not change. Thank you for raising me, protecting me, providing, blessing my marriage and welcoming in my husband. Thank you for watching over me, even when I didn’t see that.

I love you, dad. I’m proud to be your little girl.

To my James; my husband, the one who chose me, my head, the father of my boys

You didn’t think you’d get away without me mentioning you too, did you? I know you aren’t one for sentimental poems, embarrassing anecdotes, or lots of compliments all in one go. I’ll keep it practical, and honest, just how you like it.

I love having your children. Yes, they are nuts, and yes I am sure they get all their mischief, rebellious streaks, nosiness and volume from you, but I love that I can see you in them!

Maybe you don’t notice, but I watch you sometimes. I watch how you play with them, or the patience you show in trying to teach a new thing. I see how you try and manage your annoyance with every single tantrum, and put on a calm voice to discipline. My heart warms when I hear you read them a book, and I laugh as you chase our son on his scooter.

I love how you want to pass down your skills; financial management, football, coding, folding clothes like Marie Kondo - the serious and the fun, all of it, that you want them to learn too.

I remember nine years ago falling for you and wondering, anxiously, if you said no to home educating our future kids what I would do, whether it would be a dealbreaker. Imagine my delight, and disbelief, when you brought it up before me and told me you were adamant it was the way to go.

Your strength, resilience, the way you listen to new ideas. Your ability to adapt, change, learn a new skill, fix a problem - it’s all incredible to me! The persistence you show learning the ukulele may seem insignificant to you, but to me it shows our boys that skills take time, we don’t always get to achieve something right away.

You are a better dad than you give yourself credit for. Thank you for following God on this one, for pushing for them to have a future where they can lead, grow, and enjoy freedom.

Thank you for journeying beside me, for leading our family with protection and provision.

I love you, our boys love you, and we are proud of the man you have become.