ART & INSPIRATION BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Another holiday spent without the father of my children. My heart aches that he has been taken from us, but I am sure where his new home is. He is walking and talking with the Father of all of us. As with every holiday since his passing, I am reminded of the life of this amazing man – his accomplishments in the business world as well as the arts community. The Peregrine Falcon in the painting I’ve chosen today reminds me of the kind of father he was. He was strong in his faith – he was physically strong – he knew how to provide and he was constantly coming up with ideas to teach. He loved his family more than himself. He taught his kids the basics of life, but he gave them a much greater gift – which they now pass on to their own families. He introduced them to God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit at a very young age. He disciplined when it was necessary but felt bad after doing so. His heart was filled with love, but he earned the respect of his family.

Father’s Day is a bittersweet day for me, because I no longer have my earthly father or my father-in=law. My husband has joined them in heaven. I still have two sons-in-law who possess many of the same gifts and qualities that were engrained in my daughters’ character by their dad.

So, Happy Father’s Day, to all the dads out there. You are the cornerstone of the family – the one who guides, leads, instills values, provides for and loves those he has fathered. Thank you for being there for your children.

Thank you, Father God, for always being there in every minute, hour and day. You can be counted on for comfort, peace and eternal life. You are the greatest dad of all.