Weekend With Papa

Growing up, my Dad often worked two or more jobs while

going to college and then graduate school. My brother

and I didn't see a lot of him, but when we

did he was always a lot of fun. He made our time together special.

He and Mom took us to McDonald's on Friday nights, after

he'd finished cleaning at an elementary school (he was a janitor).

When we grew older, he'd take us for candy, or let us

watch horror movies that my Mom would never have allowed.

Dad is just a whole lot of fun. I love seeing him

have fun with the kids.

Last weekend, Doodles and I took a trip to visit Dad.

We went with him to an eye doctor appointment at a

local mall.

In the parking lot, there was a carnival going on.

After the appointment, Dad said,

"You want to take Doodles to the fair?"

Of course I did. What fun we had.

Dad bought her lots of tickets for rides.

A HUGE treat. Then, because she

was scared to go on things alone, he went with her on

everything.

He tickled her, fooled around with her, laughed with her,

and loved her. He's a really terrific grandfather.

He even went with her into this "rock star" ride.

I watched them as they laughed and fooled around together.

I couldn't help but think, four years ago, my daughter was living

with a single foster mother. She had no strong male influences

in her life. She was described as "boy crazy", because she was

always trying to get the little boys in her class to hold her

hand and kiss her. God not only brought her a father, but

He brought her a grandfather, a Papa.

A Papa who loves her no matter what, who loves spending

time with her and having fun with her.

A Papa that will go on all of the rides with her, laugh

with her, and hold her hand when she reaches for it.

Thank you Dad for being not only the wonderful and

Godly father that you are, but also for being such a

terrific Papa. Thank you for the fun weekend at the fair.