God's Parents

As I sit down to write this I must first make a disclaimer. If I repeat titles or even subject matter I apologize. I go with where the Spirit leads.
Having said this, I'm recording this today with a heavy heart. Things have changed drastically in the past week for my family. My father has more than likely suffered another stroke. He's doing okay but is recuperating in the nursing home of my home town. Two minutes away from my mom, seven from my brother and thirty from my sister. My youngest sister and I split an even three and a half hours distance, respectfully. My dad will receive physical therapy, occupational therapy and whatever else type of therapy the doctor deems necessary.
My father of course didn't want to go. No one wants him there. We all know he'd rest better and feel better at home with my mom, his wife of almost forty eight years. But, he needs to be there to hopefully get stronger so he can come home. Very, very soon we all hope.
I wouldn't say my dad and I are especially close. I would say without him, I wouldn't be the person I am. He's the reason I stayed at college. Homesick and crying on the phone, doing my best Scarlett,' "I'm coming home if I have to walk every step of the way,' " my dad empathesized with me. "I was only an hour away from home at school and I wanted to go home too. There's nothing like being homesick. But you have to stay for a year. We'll lose too much money if you don't. So, buck up-you can do it." And I did.
After my first sort of boyfriend broke up with me, I was of course devastated. Dad told me, "It hurts now I know. But one day, you'll meet someone who's everything you've ever looked for." And I did.
Most of the time, when things were wrong I went to my mom. We'd talk for hours. On the rare occasion my dad and I would talk, it wasn't for long. But it was always good. To the point. Advice that was straight forward and healing.
Believe it or not, I try to do that with my kids. Sure, I'm a verbose woman but sometimes a little goes a long way. Another lesson learned from him.
Maybe my dad and I are closer than I realize. Whatever our relationship-the ups and downs of it all-I do love him. I am proud of him and proud to be his daughter. And whether he comes home to my mom or to his heavenly home with God, I know we will all be at peace for him.