Lasting Influence

I had a semi-revelation the other day.  I realized that in many things I ask myself, 'how would Daddy handle this' before I make alot of decisions.  I am reminded that even though gone for 12 years I still think about how he was always there when we needed him and he always seemed to give great thought before making big decisions and how much wisdom was involved.  I have been thinking about the last few minutes before Daddy died.  As Gerald was on one side of Daddy's head and I was on the other Gerald looked at me and said, "Connie, let's pray."  We joined hands and he started the prayer asking for God to give Daddy the strength to turn loose then I finished the prayer.  I don't remember all that I prayed except to thank God for giving us Daddy and I finished with asking God to help us in the coming days to conduct ourselves in a manner that not only would honor Daddy but honor God as well.  It was only seconds after I had said Amen that Daddy took his last breath.  I did not realize at that moment that 'the coming days' would still extend this many years later.  Because, I still ask myself, 'how would Daddy handle this'.

We never know the influence that we are leaving behind.  I have said a few times this year how badly I missed Daddy because no matter what was going on when Daddy showed up you just knew everything was gonna be ok.  He didn't have to do anything he was just there.  I have also come to realize as I have heard several times this year, 'oh thank God you are here' that there are those who look at me in much the same way.  I cannot even begin to explain how precious that is to me.  So today I will say, "Thank you Daddy for the influence you left on my life and may what I do continue to honor you."