Sunday, June 17, 2007

Father’s Day

On Friday, my daughter moved out of the house and into her own apartment to go back to school. She will be studying psychology. I’m really very proud of her. Tom helped her move on Friday. Since I had to work, he rented a truck and drove one way to her place and I came up later. Her school is two hours away and I didn't get there until after six o’clock.

I helped her set up her kitchen, while Tom put together some furniture -a desk and two chests of drawers that came in a box that had a billion pieces in each of them. It was midnight when only two of the items were put together. She told us to go home since we had a two hour ride ahead and she would put her desk together. Tom looked at me and said, “Honey, there is no way she could do that. It’s too complicated.” So I see the dad gene going into overtime and I agreed to stay until it was done.

We rolled into our driveway at five o’clock in the morning. We watched the sun rise as we drove home. We were so tired. We realized how old we were while trying to get out of the car and everything hurt. I have to say my hubby was the hero to our daughter, but not just on that day. She so appreciated all the help she received from us getting her settled into her own home.

We slept until 12:30, then got ready for a church BBQ at one of the members home. They live out in the country and have ninety cherry trees. They were kind enough to host the event, while another family provided lamb for roasting. Everyone brought something to go with our meal. We had a great time relaxing, visiting and eating. We also got to pick cherries (Bing and Rainer) to take home. We had communion together later on and it was just the perfect way to end the day.

This morning, I’m grateful for the fathers in my life, my God, my husband, my dad (who went home 18 years ago), and my father-in-law. Tom is such a great dad, not only to our children but to the church. He is compassionate, loving and supportive. I thank God for choosing such a wonderful man to be my husband and father to our children. I’m proud to be his wife and I love the life we share together. Now it is just the two of us at home. Our children are grown and on their own. But our nest isn’t empty because of the love we have. We enjoy each other. Our children will always be a part of our lives, even though they don’t live at our home. Our love for them doesn’t change. We find that we pray even more for them. They are good young adults and we are proud of them. We love that they are pursuing their dreams.

I just want to say, Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there. May God bless you and your family today and always.

© Nadine Z. 2007

17 comments:

Shionge said...

How sweet & lovely Nadine and yes I can feel the love right in my computer room and I'm blessed by the love you exude.

Happy Father's Day to Tom too :D

Erin said...

What a sweet post! Not only is it wonderful to honor our own fathers, but the father of our children. And your children sound like they have an amazing father!

Trina said...

You guys are such great parents. I want to be able to do those things for my sons once they are out on their own too. Im glad that you guys have the same goals in life, and that the Lord has blessed you both so much!

Keshi said...

wonderful post!

Keshi.

Demara said...

AW WOW! So neat to hear Nadine...you know I'm not even that old and I too feel stiff and sore when I get up from sitting or playing sports or going for drives...AND I LOVE how you honored GOd he is such a great Daddy to us! And Tom sounds like a great Dad too~

palmtreefanatic said...

Happy Fathers Day to Tom! He was so wonderful to stay until the task was finished but aaaah...wow!
I would have been falling asleep on her living room carpet...lol!
What a wonderful man you have and you too for that fact!
It must feel weird to have both kids out and on their own...I know my relationship grew better with my parents after I moved out, Blessings to you and your family!

Diane Viere said...

Nadine,

As I read your post, I was transported back to the day that my husband and I helped our daughter settle into her first dorm her first year of college. My emotions were running amuck as I unpacked and organized.....and thought of our home without her presence. But how right you are....our hearts remain filled with the love.....long after their physical presence is gone.

Today, she and her husband live just a mile away from us....and we are richly blessed with her daily presence! And we are so proud of the young woman she has become.

God Bless you and your husband as you watch your daughter's journey unfold--may you experience the delight in knowing that you have loved and prepared her well! Her compassion and concern for both of you, suggesting that she could handle the undoable so you could both drive home is admirable. She wasn't just thinking of herself...she was 'loving'you even at a time that it was all about her! Great parenting Nadine! Your daughter's heart is well equipped!

I hope Tom's Father Day was perfect...and you both feel rested as you begin this week. I know for me....one night up until 5:00 a.m.....I"m toast for a few days!

Blessings!

Diane

Knit-Wit said...

It must have been a weekend of mixed emotions for you - daughter moving out - celebrating together with your husband and church. I'm sure you are exhausted. God bless.

Art said...

Thanks for the Father's Day greeting! Hope things are going well & happy Father's Day to Tom too.

all over the map said...

You both are an inspiration. Thanks for sharing.
What a wonderful time to have a barbeque and fellowship, and communion. Awww . . I just love that idea and will remember it.
I agree, no nest is empty when love is present.

Dedee said...

Congrats on the great husband and prayers your way on your daughter moving out. I can't imagine what that will be like for me in 12-15 years and I also can't imagine how fast it's going to go.

Happy Days

Deb said...

Beautiful post! Do you want to start editing mine!!! LOL Just kidding, you can spin hay into gold Nadine.
You REALLY got my attention ot the ninety cherry trees wow! I LOVE cherries, did you make cherry pie? My fav!

Happy b'lated Fathers Day Tom.

Sandy said...

Sounds like you have a LOT to be thankful for.
You have a glow to your writing.
Sandy
For Reluctant Entertainers

Anonymous said...

What wonderful and special parents you are... that is beautiful. Such an amazin gift you are giving them. So special...
- Audrey
Pinks & Blues Girls

C. H. Green said...

Enjoyed reading this. Thanks for sharing.

eph2810 said...

I am glad that it was a good time you had moving your daughter out. I am not sure if i would have been that composed.
Yummy - cherries - I love cherries--and they are even better fresh from the tree.

Blessings to you and yours.

Anonymous said...

awww how wonderful!