My First Love

   She stood on the creek bank terrified.  She was unable to push past the fear, even though it was what she wanted most.  She was shier than anyone truly knew.  And to have all eyes on her was almost more than she could take.  She had loved to dance, and dance she did, but this was different.  She would have immediate acceptance or immediate rejection based on this performance. 

  And so, it had come to this:  an impromptu rehearsal of the big event.  And yet, her feet would not move.  She was embarrassed.  The people that looked on were the people that she knew the best, her family.  If she could not get past this performance, how would she ever face the one that truly counted?  She had never done this before.  Maybe she should have never signed up to do it. 

  Her thoughts were interrupted with the encouraging cheers of her family.  She saw her mom smiling and prompting her to go.  She saw her brothers watching, as well.  Her heart was pounding, and she had just about given in to the fear.  And then, from the edge of the woods and into the middle of the sandy stage, her dad bounced.  “Hey, Gang!  My name is Davis! And I’m going to do a cheer called ‘Two Bits!”  As he shouted, he had his hands balled into perfect cheerleader fists. (NO thumbs showing!)  As she looked on, amused, he went through the whole routine.  Little by little the fear began to melt away and what had seemed un-doable became doable.  If he could do it, she could do it!

  You were my first love.  You embodied all the qualities of the perfect man.  Big and strong, you were possessive of two arms in which I found safety.  You were funny and witty, and able to quickly elicit my laughter.  I thought you were so handsome!  I often thought of you as my ‘John Wayne’, tough with an unmistakable tenderness. Above all, you showered me with love every day.  You were a first impression of what my Heavenly Father was like, you were my Daddy.

   You continue to be wise counsel.  You taught me the importance of noble character.  You have displayed honor in your own life and encouraged me to follow suit.  You are my cheerleader, and my encourager.  You were the spiritual leader in our family and humble of heart.  You speak your mind with clarity, even though, you are quick to admit that you don’t have all the answers.  You are kind and patient and a wealth of wisdom. 

  We promoted you from “Daddy” to “Pappy” with the births of Seth, Ashley, Zane, Megan, and Wil.  Your mentoring has continued on with them.  I have had the pleasure of watching my own children sit at your feet, as toddlers, hanging on your every word.  I watch them now, as young men, do the same thing. 

  I often think back on that day on the creek bank.  I wanted to be a cheerleader, but was too afraid to even practice in front of family, much less, the student body.  By your actions, Daddy, you challenged me to reach for a goal that seemed impossible.  That same scenario has played out several times in my life, and each time you have been there to cheer me on.  I am so thankful that God chose you to be my Dad.

Happy Birthday, Pap!  I love you.

Chucky