Today is Father’s Day. I understand that Father’s Day was initiated by a person who did not have a mother. Since Mother’s Day did not serve to honor his sole parent thus Father’s Day was created. I had a mother and a father. The best of both.

My father passed in May. His love, his teachings, and his example have left an indelible imprint on my life. The week following his passing I posted a blog entitled A Tribute to Daddy. In his honor I will refer you to that blog if you have not already seen it.

Now, in order to avoid redundancy, this Father’s Day I shall tell you about another father, my children’s father.

To begin with, I did not marry a preacher. Having been the daughter of a minister I knew the kind of lifestyle it entailed. Therefore, when Russ insinuated that he might be called to preach, I always sidestepped the issue by suggesting that the discomfort within him might be due to indigestion.

But, despite my encouragement in the other direction, God convinced him to go into the ministry. So, as he stands before the congregation each Sunday, it is not thanks to me but by the power of an all-mighty, all-knowing God.

When I first met Russ, he was far from perfect. Realizing his potential, however, I married him anyway. Over the past 50 years, the rough edges have smoothed, and he has turned into a pretty wonderful person. Aside from whatever positive or negative influence I have had on the man, is my eyes, he is special. Though he does still have a few faults, which I, being the caring person that I am, periodically do not hesitate to point out.

He is the most caring person I have ever known. He is a patient and loving father who takes great pride in his children’s accomplishments. On the other hand, he is tolerant and understanding when things are not going so well.

The church is his main focus. It dominates every aspect of his life; his goals, his hopes, his dreams, and his conversation. If he had a hobby it would be the church. If he had a special project it would be the church. If he had a favorite sport, it would be the church. She is the only one of whom I have ever had a reason to be jealous–the church.

He lives with a positive view of life. He has a smile and cheerful word for everybody he meets. When he comes home, no matter how rough his day has been, he brings sunshine when he walks through the door.

I shall always be proud to say he is my husband, the father of my children, and the greatest treasure of my life. So, Happy Father’s Day to the other great man whose influence has made me who I am.