When I was: Four years old: My daddy can do anything. Five years old: My daddy knows a whole lot. Six years old: My dad is smarter than your dad. Eight years old: My dad doesn't know exactly everything. Ten years old: In the olden days, when my dad grew up, things were sure different. …

I watched you today, as you watched your grandchildren, my children- and wondered how you endured the pain, fear, joy and elation that transforms us into parents. I remembered the patience, the laughter, the tears. Do I have the strength to endure it all?

  When you were young, pony-tailed, face full of playful freckles, were you a daddy's girl? I was. I still am. Did you look to him for your security, for love and attention, for the understanding, and the patience you lacked as a child? My daddy was the center of my small world, the focus…

My Hero As I ponder the love that I saw in his eyes, A Godly love, given without compromise.... I recall many times that he stood by my side, And prodded me on with great vigor and pride.