The Closer

There is a certain excitement in the air when a father shows up on the scene.  I have witnessed this anticipation in my own life.   In the 9^th grade I had decided to join the track team.  My dad lived about 400 miles away and was experiencing some financial difficulties which made it hard for him to see me.  One day he called and said he was coming to town.  I was elated.  On the day he was to arrive, I had a track meet.  I remember looking up in the stands  to see if he had arrived yet.  I had to get ready to run the hundred yard dash.  I remember feeling a confidence that I hadn’t felt in prior months.  I hadn’t won any races.  Stepping into the blocks that day, I remember hearing his voice.  Some words of encouragement that I don’t remember, but the mere sound of his voice gave me an unbelievable focus.  When the gun fired, I was off.  I remember him yelling my name.  I ran like I never ran before and won the race.  I think I placed in most of my events that day.  I remember Coach telling my Dad that he had never seen me run like that before.   After that day, I won even more races.  I had gained a certain confidence.

I see the same thing in my husband.  Whenever he shows up to a school event or soccer game the atmosphere seems to change.  It is beautiful to watch.  That same elation hovers over our kids.  They all seem to perk up when he arrives home from a long days work.  Sometimes chanting Daddy over and over again.  Our youngest leads the pack, usually getting to the door first.  I know that gets to his heart to see the littlest cutie face and then more cutie faces smiling back at him after a grueling days work.  It’s as if in his smile he’s saying “it is all worth it”.  Thanks to all the wonderful Dads who keep showing up.  We know you work hard.  Thank you for all you do!  Have a wonderful day! 

(The title of this today's post is not related to the TV series "The Closer" or the TNT Network)