Today, I want to tell you about my dad - Max. Here's a little background. He was the "baby" of 16 children. I must add that my grandmother was told by her doctor that she would never be able to have children. God apparently didn't get that memo!!!!! (She actually had 18 pregnancies, but two of them ended in miscarriages.) Everything is indeed possible with God!
My dad grew up on a farm on the outskirts of "Nineveh." This not only instilled an incredible work ethic within him but also a strong desire to provide for his family (so we wouldn't have to live a life of "hand-me downs.") So, it's no surprise that my dad went into business for himself when I was really young. He's been working hard ever since.
Although my parents divorced when I was 6 years old, I've always lived within a mile or 2 of my dad, until I went to college. I could see him whenever I wanted. Fortunately, my parents (and my stepparents) made the decision to get along with each other - after an initial healing period. Today, we celebrate birthdays, special occasions, Thanksgiving, and vacations together. God makes all the difference, and I'm so very grateful.
If I had to describe my dad in one word, it would be G-E-N-E-R-O-U-S. He is an incredibly kind and giving person. He cares about people and helps others any way he can.
Case in point, when SS lost his job 6 years ago, my dad gave him a job. When we moved back to "Nineveh," my dad let us move into one of his houses - the one he was going to sale. Well it's been 5 years now and we are still here. There's no For Sale sign in the yard either.
Some of my fondest memories with my dad are..... my 5th birthday when dad brought home a big purple bike for me (my bell bottom pants got caught in the chain the first time I rode it, but my dad picked me up when I fell down.) Going tent camping in the mountains. Spending Sunday afternoons on the lake learning to water ski. Getting a camper and staying at a local campground with a swimming pool (dad drove back and forth to work everyday.) Riding go-carts in the backyard. Going to the Shaun Cassidy concert. Trading in the boat & camper for a swimming pool. Playing softball and volleyball weekly with family and friends. Going to the race track on Saturday nights (my dad sponsored a car and actually raced it for awhile.) Cookouts. Just spending time together as a family.
Here's my dad, the chef, with T-Man, the taste tester!Probably the most important thing my dad taught me was to treat everyone the same. I love you dad! I'm so glad God chose you to be my dad.
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