Father's Day 2010

Well, it was a great day to be a Dad. My wife was gracious enough to labor long and hard in order for me to enjoy plenty of good cooking and baking today. I was treated to a special breakfast full of fruits--my favorite. On the table was a nice Father's Day card from the children, and a balloon (which popped a little later) that said "World's Greatest Dad." We worshiped together, with Joel even showing up. With Katie here these two weeks, we had all of our children except Nathan and Hannah. Then, Sunday dinner was wonderful. Beth and the children made french toast and on it we put homemade strawberry and rhubarb sauce. That was yummy! Then to top it off, Beth and Katie had baked two pies, one strawberry and the other raspberry. Again, scrumptious! After evening church we even got a second helping of the pies! During the afternoon and into the evening (all around the evening service) we watched the U.S. Open from Pebble Beach. That was fun too.

On this day I cannot help but think of my Dad. I appreciate all that he was as a man and a Father. He means a great deal to me. At church this morning, in my remarks about Father's Day, I said that just about everything I am can be attributed to Dad and Mom. They had such a positive influence on my life. I am so grateful for the Godly heritage afforded me. The same is true of my Father and Mother-in-law. God has been good to give me a wife from another Godly family. May we be faithful to continue this heritage and pass it on to our children!

You know you’re getting older when…

Last week I was shopping with our three youngest children, Johanna, Abigail, and Stephen. Abigail and Stephen were in a shopping cart while we were going through check-out. The woman behind me noticed Stephen's foot was caught in the cart. "His foot is caught," she said. So I went over to free his foot from the cart, and after doing so she stated, "That's okay, I have grandchildren too."

Now, how would you respond to that? J I told her that these were my children. I guess I look old enough to be their grandpa. The Lord willing, that is coming some day in the future, but for now, we're contented to still be called "Dad."

Something Else Happened On Tuesday

When the crew of children and I returned home from soccer practice last night we were blessed by a wonderful dinner prepared by Beth. It was enjoyed by all, and soon after it was over the phone rang. My sister, Lois, was on the other end. She informed me that our father had died just a few moments earlier. He had lived a long, full life. He had been declining for some time, but when he went into the hospital last Friday, the end came quickly. I had been to see him and my Mom just over a week ago. At that time I knew he was declining, and Lois had been keeping tabs on his health, so we knew his time was not long. It's just always a shock when it actually comes. It was providential that my brother and sister, Steve and Priscilla, were able to travel from the West Coast yesterday and arrive to see him just an hour before he died. They both were able to say good-bye to him in the final moments of his life here on earth. Our hope in the resurrection is that we will see him again someday in a better place, and in the presence of his and our Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ.

I have been privileged to be the son of Paul Philip Blikstad, and appreciate all the wonderful life lessons he has taught me. Blessed be his memory!