My father passed away 22 years ago. He was my best friend, my coach, my counselor, and my hero. He was my everything. Can you believe it’s been 22 years and I still miss him so much. Over time, the sting has turned sweet but I still wish I could pick up the phone and call him. I’m so glad I’ll see him one day in heaven!
One of my fondest memories of him involved swimming pools on vacations- specifically, the pool at the Holiday Inn in Vicksburg, Mississippi. We stayed there every time we traveled from Fort Worth, Texas, my hometown, to Thompson, Georgia, my grandma’s home. I can remember the excitement of my 3 older brothers and me as we hurried out of the car, put on our swimsuits and jumped into the pool. Then we waited, watching toward the hotel room. We’d smile as my dad would burst out of the hotel room in his funny-looking bathing suit and splash into the pool with us. It spelled love to us boys because of one major factor: we knew he didn't like to swim. He was swimming for us and we knew it. We laughed and splashed and the memory is locked into my heart.
What memories are you instilling into your kids? Do they sense your love because you are going into their world or are you requiring them to come into your world? Being a part of their world doesn't mean you let your hair grow long and start listening to loud music. Simply look for opportunities to come onto their turf. Take time for shooting baskets, playing lego’s, drawing, shopping, whatever, but show them your love by doing what they like to do.
Take a few minutes to write down 10 ways you can come into your child’s world. You’re going to get wet for sure but there’s nothing more rewarding than loving your kids.
Now, put on that bathing suit!©
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