My unsung hero - my dad

Holding Sedona

Gazing at Marissa

Strolling around with the girls - a favorite activity. I can't wait until we can do this again!

Some of my blogs have mentioned my mom and either the help she's given or a beautiful dress she's sewn, but there are a few other unsung heroes out there that deserve a shout-out.

This one is about my dad, Jim. We know him around here as Papa (or Dad, Daddy, sometimes Daddio or Pop). I was inspired to write this on January 1, and I figured I would post it after finding just the right pictures. Little did I know then that I would be asking for your prayers because he is going in for open heart surgery this upcoming Tuesday morning. It is so surreal to even type this. He looks so energetic and vital! But it must be done. And it is SCARY. Thankfully, he has a good surgeon and we are expecting a good outcome.

He doesn't get as much mention, but he is always there, helping us out, making sure that the girls' future is secure, encouraging us in our marriage and endeavors. He NEVER buts in, but I know his wish is for us to have a blessed, abundant, peaceful life.

Dad brought my grandfather over to see our house last spring. I can't imagine that this was an easy task, but it was so beautiful because my grandfather blessed our home, immediately understanding why we invested in it and seeing the little details about it that are so special to me. The memories we made at that visit are even more precious to me now that my grandfather is gone.

Dad cheerfully helps us move, weed my garden, make a flower bed out of a rock bed, and rip up old, nasty carpet and lay down new flooring. He even takes said nasty carpet to the dump for us. (Okay - just a little shout-out here is needed for my mom who also cheerfully helped me get my dishes done back when we had no dishwasher!) I have been touched by his surprise trips to see me in Musical Theater (during my Cuesta days) or to meet my new babies - even though he had sciatic pain. Dad also fires up the motorhome so we can ride around in stye and comfort. This is one of the girls' FAVORITE things to do with Mammy and Papa!

He has been a somewhat willing accomplice when my Mom and I play furniture trade. Repeatedly. Hey, Mom, that beautiful roll top desk that you brought over doesn't quite fit. Would you like it back? Yes, I do need a big chair, thanks! Would you like your table back, too? It goes on like this. Poor guy must get aggravated, but he's so cheery. Some of his trademarks are his gentle spirit and unswerving positive attitude. He gives beyond generosity, loves on my children with cuddles, care, silly play, dancing and soft-spoken attention. He tells them he loves them and he loves my husband (whom he calls Cristobal - I am called Pup) like his own son. I could not ask for more!

Thank You Lord, for our Patriarch. Thank You for his wacky sense of humor. Thank You that he sets the example of going to Your House to worship You and give of Your blessings. Thank You that he also set the example of duty and hard work balanced with having fun and relaxing when the work is done. I love this man, Lord. He is a precious gift, passing down a legacy of love, of quietly being there, doing what needs to be done, and showing love with kind deeds and surprises done in your name. I ask that You bless him, Father, with all the abundant blessings you would give to him. As he transitions to retirement, please give him activities to keep his bright mind active, and give him energy and strength to enjoy it. Guide the surgeon and hospital staff, Jesus, that he would have excellent care and healing. You are our ultimate Physician, Lord, and I pray your healing touch upon him in the weeks to come. If it is Your will, we ask for many, many more years with Mom and Dad. Thank you for what he means to my girls and to me. Please grant Mom Your mercies and peace through this hard journey. I thank you for my parents, Father! Amen