Six Years Ago

The times are a changing. My wonderful father died at 11 pm on my birthday, June 3rd. This time of year I am weepy and emotional and then I remember why. He comes to my mind every May and June. I think of him even more than the usual once a day. The wonderful memories of his redemption and being the greatest Poppa that any grandchildren could have ever wanted. The day he died, I took Abbey to their house then 2 years old and went to his room to say I love you I am heading to school to teach. He called me “Pumpkin” and kept asking if I really had to leave. I told him the students needed me there, hugged him, and left crying all the way. I couldn’t take attendance or greet my fifth graders, I just sobbed. My team teachers told me to leave. I did and went to my sister’s office. She saw me and asked, “Is it Daddy? Is he gone?” I cried in her arms, “What if Daddy dies on my birthday?” My beautiful, amazing, heart as big as the Pacific Ocean said, “Little sister, when you were born was the best days of his life. He loves you so much. You were his baby.” He was 44 years old when I was born. The story goes he worked 48 hours straight to pay the hospital bill to bring me and Momma home from the hospital. He stayed sober until I was 5 years old. I am the only child he named. He gave me his Mom’s name Sarah and his Aunt Anne’s name. I am Sarah Anne. He quit alcohol for good at 59 years of age. I was around 12 years old. I miss him so much. He is so special to me. It’s been 22 years since his departure. I thank God he chose us instead of his addition. If you have any kind of addiction, know that I pray for your redemption. It is possible through the love of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. Don’t ever surrender.