[Sole Inspiration] My Daddy

Hi there!

Between the college graduation and the fact that my parents and in-laws are coming up this weekend for the youngest's baptism, I've been a little delayed with Father's Day this year.  Poor dads...a conflict like graduations would never work for Mother's Day, because I don't think we would tolerate that very well!  

Kind of a repeat, but the most recent photo of the hubby & I with my parents.

I know I'm stereotyping, but men are usually pretty easygoing about these types of things, like Father's Day.  My father is the strong, silent-type who doesn't let things bother him.  But if Dad ever got mad, watch out, because it was not something petty he was upset about, and you knew you were in trouble!  It's ironic because my husband is the same way, and that is fortunate for my mother and I, because sometimes, we both can be pretty passionate and can get into a tizzy about little things!  Hey, it's a balance of personalities and they do say that a girl looks for qualities in a husband that are like her father.

My dad is a surgeon, and when he was in his residency and fellowship, I remember when he got home, I'd hear the garage door opening while I slept, since the garage was below my bedroom.  We would regularly visit him at the hospital when he was on-call and have a meal together in the cafeteria.  This was something I looked forward to because we were there as a family, plus I could get their rice topped with butter and salt!  See how positive memories can be rooted with food experiences, even one at a hospital cafeteria?!

A photo of Dad that I stole from one of his friends on Facebook, which btw, is so neat that he's on Facebook!  My eldest loves it when he texts her; she thinks it's so cute.  We all bought him a new laptop for Father's Day since he is so willing to learn and embrace all the new technology...he's so cool!

When Dad would introduce us to his co-workers and the nurses at the hospital, they would always comment on my father's gentle, soft-spoken approach as a surgeon and his caring attitude.  I honestly never thought much about it then; I mean I know that, he's my Dad...  But as I grew up and forged my way through my own career, I realized what a special attribute this was for a surgeon.

My Dad basically was grace under pressure as he worked day-to-day, since surgeons literally have the life of someone in their hands. His skills as a surgeon have improved and saved many lives, both during his career and into his missionary work, plus he has impacted the lives of people beyond their physical ailments.  I truly believe that this is because of his strong-rooted family values and his unfailing belief in God.  My father is never one that gets very preachy, but has always quietly lived his faith and practiced his strong moral values on a daily basis. This in turn instilled a good work ethic and solid core & family values in my brother, sister, and I, that have been carried on to his grandchildren.

My Dad & Mom with my family Thanksgiving 2011.  My brother and his family were also in town, so we were just missing my sister and her family.  My parents have their 50th wedding anniversary next year, so we are supposed to do a cruise or all-inclusive resort, so we'll all be together then!

I know that my Dad is proud of and loves all three of us kids, but it's so neat to see how he lights up at all nine of his grandchildren.  "Lolo" (Grandpa in Tagalog), which he is affectionately called, is who the grandkids run to, and he just glows with pride and affection.  Kona even has an extra excited wag when he sees Lolo!

About ten years ago, I was asked to give a Father's Day speech about my dad at my childhood church.  While writing my talk, I asked my then 12-year-old eldest, How would you describe your Lolo?  She thought about it for a second, then as a matter-of-fact said, Great!

My Daddy---The Great Surgeon, the Great Leader, the Great Missionary, the Great Speaker, the Great Gardener, the Great Golfer/Tennis Player, the Great Son, the Great Brother, the Great Husband, the Great Father, the Great Grandfather.  In knowing my father's humble nature, he would quickly dismiss this grand assessment, because he would say that this is just what he is supposed to do.  I believe that someday, the Lord will say to him, "Well done, good and faithful servant...", because my father was, "...faithful over a few things, he was made responsible over many things...", paraphrased Matthew 25:21 (NIV).   

Do you have someone you aspire to who has had a powerful influence on you?  Let me know because sometimes we can look to people who are superficial, and those with substance, whom we should aspire to, are sometimes closer than we think.  Thank you for visiting and being a part of my journey!

See you later!

Cheryl