Politics and Family

I've been following the Presidential race, Manny calls me a political junkie. I have always loved politics!

My Dad and I used to sit at his coffee table head to head and discuss religion, politics, women's rights and how great America is. We would drive my Mom crazy because we could talk for hours.I can remember her shaking her head as she walked down the hall saying "I'll be in my room when you two are done." At the end of the evening we would say goodnight, agreeing to disagree on many subjects. Early the next morning I would get up and my Dad would be sitting at his table with a cup of coffee smiling at me. He would give me this look that said "are you ready to finish our conversation?" I would say "Good Morning Sunshine" and he would answer "Good Morning Glory". This was our routine ever time I went to visit my parents.

When I think back on those wonderful times I realize how much I miss my parents. They were incredible people,they always loved me unconditionally. Sometimes I wish I could pick up the phone and hear their voices one more time. Then I consider the joy I will have when I see them in heaven for eternity.

I am very fortunate to have had the opportunity to see God's mercy and grace in my Father's life.
I grew up in a home full of turmoil and strife. (that is one reason I refuse to let strife rule in my life)
My Dad was a violent alcoholic from the time I was a child until I turned 20. Everything changed when I took Zack over to my parents and my Dad was drunk. At that very moment I made a decision that would change our family forever. I told my Dad he would not see Zack again until he got sober. He cried and told me how much he loved us, I cried as well. I told him I grew up watching you as a drunk and Zack was not going to remember his Grandfather like that.
I went home so sad, but I knew I had a responsibility to raise Zack different than the was I was raised.I couldn't sleep all night, I felt horrible.
The next morning my Mom called me and asked me to come to the house. I went over to see what she wanted. I thought she was going to tell me to talk to my Dad.
To my surprise my Dad was standing in the driveway getting ready to leave. He said he was going to get help, and he admitted himself into a rehab hospital. He never took another drink after that day.

When my Dad was sick he gave me the best gift of all. He gave me away at my wedding, and nine days later he died. The week before he died the hospice Pastor told him to see all of his kids and bless them. He reached out with his right hand on my head and said "I've already blessed you haven't I honey."
I cried, he had no idea how much he had blessed me.
It reminded me of the tradition in the Old Testament how the Father would place his right hand on his child's head to bless him.
I am so grateful that my parents loved God and are enjoying the gift of eternal life.