Carmel apples smeared their faces, and cotton candy stained their little hands. French fries and funnel cakes brought pure delight as we went from ride to ride at the County Fair. Tyson was not yet here but only had a few more months before his debut. I listened to their squeals and watched their waves as they flew past me, screaming, “Hey, Mom!” Chuck became the Guinea pig for most rides, including the small compact Elsa ride. Watching him trying to strap himself into the small compartment was hilarious; I joined others in laughter as bystanders watched with unharnessed laughter. All to be seen of Charlotte was her eyes and curly hair behind Chuck’s knees. I don’t even think the girls noticed how squished they were so long as they could “Let it Go” like Elsa. Watching him meet their every demand and listening to them giggle made for sincere pleasure.
My heart still skips a little when he pulls into the driveway. The girls find a new excitement as if he didn’t just leave that morning. I can hear the back door open above the chaos. The one who has a firm hand when needed is the one my children run to each afternoon, screaming, “Daddy’s home!”
The father is the glue that holds the family unit together. God anointed him for his position. His shoulders are built to carry the load of the family, not the woman’s. Although many must, and God gives them grace, the father carries the anointing (Ephesians 5:23). Our families need Daddy to come home.
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China was a long way from home, yet the project had been completed early, and the Redeye could get him home the following night. For him, it was worth it. Once again, I had strict instructions while Chuck was away to keep small, unfortunate catastrophes to a minimum.
It was the middle of the night, and all was quiet. The girls were fast asleep, as was I. Pregnant with Tyson, yet sleeping like a baby. Maximus and Samson, our older male dogs, sleep in the garage many nights. Samson, the Golden Retriever, sleeps sprawled out to the world, while Maximus sleeps at the foot of the stairs, closest to the door, where he can guard and protect all who sleep inside. I have seen this pair guard at all costs and knew Maximus was doing his job now. If he hears noises inside that he does not recognize, he will take his head, ram the door open, and come down the hall. He is a special friend to me.
I heard the back door open, and the floor began to creak. I knew only one person could have entered our haven without alarming Maximus. Daddy was home.
I sprang out of bed and came around the corner to meet him. What a surprise it was! At his sacrifice, he made it home a few days early. He is my hero, opening my mascara bottle when I can’t twist off the top, making late-night runs for whatever is needed, and being the strong side of our family—the one we all depend on, even from China.
When Daddy is home, security is present, peace finds its calm, and problems find solutions. What a blessed place for a daddy to be —home.
As you know, we exhorted, comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children. 1 Thessalonians 2:11
