As I stared out the kitchen window, looking at the old grill standing guard like a silent sentinel, I thought to myself, “What does your vantage point to the sights and sounds which occur in the backyard look like old friend?” You have been a bridge over troubled waters and a refuge for my family. Light-hearted laughter and conversations float on the sound waves around the patio. Watching Chuck pour charcoal into your belly and seeing the flame ignite the coals is pure pleasure for me. The amount of charcoal stacked in our garage is uncanny. It leaves a mark that clearly defines Chuck’s favorite place to be. I know you have heard the phrase, “Daddy, wait for me” more times than you can count. Eva is like her mother. She doesn’t want to miss the smoke encompassing the barrel, or the smell of charcoal as it is first being lit. There is nothing like the smell of your coals burning to perfection. It penetrates the atmosphere and leaves anyone within range coveting the next few hours. Even the boys sit salivating for their choice cut of meat to fall. At three-years-old, Chuck has already taught Eva that no fancy utensils are needed, a simple fork will do just fine. He believes the closer a person gets to what they are grilling, the better the quality.
For any grill master, a few key ingredients must be present, one of which is the right seasonings. Eva runs to grab her stool and races across the kitchen floor, sliding her stool in front of her. She climbs up next to her daddy as he takes out his seasonings to rub them on the tender cuts of meat. Eva pipes up and says, “Ok, Daddy, now, what do we need?” The second ingredient contains two-parts that go hand in hand, time and patience. If you rush through the grilling process you end up with meat that is done on the outside but under-cooked on the inside. Grilling has an astounding resemblance to parenting if one looks closely enough.
It’s not until our trusty friend’s coals are a dusty-gray with only a faint red glow that Chuck knows it is now time for the deliciously seasoned cuts of meat to be placed on the grill. From the grandstands of the kitchen, I can see him pick Eva up while he lifts the lid to the grill. The smoke rushes to find its exit. Eva is so excited to watch her daddy flip the meat. She watches carefully as he shows her what pieces need to be moved around. He always gives her a job that makes her feel so important. I can hear the excitement in her voice when she runs inside to tell me that daddy needs his cup with the sauce mixture in it. She carefully takes it back outside to him. I can see his “grilling fork” principle playing out in more ways than one. Being a father from a distance will never produce the quality in our children that close encounters will.
Chuck’s heart was captivated the day he became a father. At his first glance of Eva Jewel, he was smitten. I have watched a gentle giant become subdued under her spell. Her tiny teacups seem so small in his hand. Nonetheless, he enjoys every sip at her tea parties. He grins from ear to ear as he watches her run across the yard in her Elsa play dress and church shoes, all the while, looking for Mommy. Hide and Seek with Chuck is like trying to hide “Clifford the Big Red Dog.” Yet, the squeals of excitement coming from Eva are like trumpets of triumph, as she finds her daddy hiding behind a tiny basket. But it is the night-nights when she whispers in his ear, “You are my prince, Daddy,” that I love the most.
To master the art of grilling is one thing, but to master the heart of a father is another. When the screams of a little girl can be quieted by the protective arms of her daddy or fears of the dark vanish because time has been taken to teach her the power of a flashlight, it becomes easy to see the markings of a father. To watch him kneel down beside her bed and teach her to pray, makes my heart skip a beat.
I have been blessed to have two such wonderful men in my life, my own father and my husband. Any father would pray their daughter would marry a man like him. He exemplifies the characteristics of a father and executes his role with duty. He is a defender when he has to be, disciplinarian when he needs to be, and provider because he is called to be. Eva Jewel is one blessed little girl, and I make it a point to tell her so. I have always thought my own father walked on water. Eva doesn’t know it yet, but one day she will feel the same.
“Children’s children are the crown of old men, and the glory of children are their fathers.” Proverbs 17:6
Happy Father’s Day, Chuck
Your girls love you BIG!
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Absolutely beautiful!
Thank you Mickey!
Kristen, I always LOVE reading your stories. You have such a talented gift of writing. Your insight to life is amazing! Your stories are very comforting to read and leave me with a “feel good” feeling in my soul. Keep up the good writing!
Oh Lynn! Thank you for that sweet compliment. That is exactly what I desire readers to feel. Heartwarming stories that leave them with a smile on their face! Something good for the soul. Thank you for taking the time to tell me. I miss you and Larry in the back of the pool. Always ready to go and get a good workout. I hope you both are doing well and perhaps getting back to the pool soon!