It’s New Year’s Eve, and so many people are gathering together to count down and celebrate the New Year. I laugh when I think about it. I laugh because I’ve been counting too. Every New Year is one step closer to your physical freedom. As I reflect back, I remember when I came to visit you earlier in the year of 2016. During the drive, I had time to think. I wondered what would happen when I see you. I wondered if you were okay. Dad, you were worried about me traveling on the road alone, but I guess that’s what dads do, they worry about their baby girls. The day I entered the fenced-in walls of the penitentiary, I remember seeing you. You told the guard that “I haven’t seen this woman in thirteen years; I don’t know what she looks like.” Thirteen years, that’s how long I’ve been counting. Thirteen years of written letters and cards. Thirteen years of phone calls and quick updates on your grandchildren. Thirteen years of not one birthday missed. You’re so far away, but when I hear your voice, it feels as though you are right around the corner. Dad, I know you have pains, and you hurt sometimes, and I can only imagine the pains of not having family around, but you never speak of it. Dad, I will always remember how a man with no physical freedom could speak life into a woman and give her mental freedom. That’s what you’ve done to me at times. So now that the thirteen years have turned into fourteen years, the scripture that comes to mind is Matthew 25:37-40. “Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? Or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and clothed thee? Of when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, since ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” Dad, my mind can’t help but wonder about the thirteen years of writing letters. Could it be the thirteen years of writing letters was the blueprint to Letters to our Fathers? Could this be what God said according to Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Dad, I don’t know, but I know who knows and I’m going to continue to trust him. If you were the blueprint for that, I am grateful.
Wow, that’s beautiful! It so amazing to see a man that makes such a difference in his daughter’s life in a great way without physical freedom! Unfortunately, there are too many free men who don’t even leave an ounce of a blueprint! Beautiful post! 💜
Thank you so much. 😃
Beautifully written! You are really proud of your father and so will be your father. I have no words to describe your sincerity. And you blog is definitely a wonderful place to be in. Glad I found you ma’am.
Thank you so much!!! 😃 I hope that you continue to enjoy my blog. Happy New Year!!!
Happy new year to you too! Looking forward to being inspired by you.
Great work
Thank you! Happy New Year!!
Your welcome
Such a heartfelt letter. I hope you get to see more of this special man,but then, your letters I’m sure will continue. May 2017 be a year of peace and love for you all.
Thank you so much for following my blog 🙂
Thank you so much. May your year be filled with everything that is good, so much love, joy, and peace.
Reblogged this on Wag 'n Bietjie.
Thank you so much for the reblog!!!! Happy New Year!!!!
It’s a pleasure! Wishing you & your loved ones a happy 2017.. 🙂
Reading through your letters gives me a sense of hope, love, and peace, that can only come through Christ, of whom you lift up through your writings. Thank you for following my blog, Holding His Hand. You definitely have a testimony of holding your Abba Father’s hand. My father died prior to my birth, so I’m thankful that God has always held me close. Praying for you and your children. May God continue to guide and direct your path as you pursue His heart. God bless your dad in the new year, as well. Lovely testament and photo of the two of you.
Thank you so much for your kind words. I am so happy that you enjoy reading my letters ❤. Happy New Year to you!!! I am looking forward to great posts from you. Isn’t it always a good thing that we have a Father in even to hold us steady at times when we will feel lost and confused? Many blessings your way 😃
hey, great article, i know the struggle because i went through the same thing. I am working on a parenting project and i ask that you take a second to look at it thank you
Survival Guide For Stay At Home Dads https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1039538963/survival-guide-for-stay-at-home-dads
Hey!!!! Thank you for checking out my blog and I will take a look at the project that you are working on
Yes please and share it… I fully understand your pain because I went through it but that’s a conversation for another day 🤙🏽