Blessings to Our Dads

We wished we could have been back home for Father's Day. Somehow I have these memories of good bbq's, nice summer weather, handing out golf gift certificates, or new gardening tools when I think of Father's Day. Well, we didn't have a bbq, but we did have a picnic. And no one got gifts (Carl was celebrated in March), but we did think of our dads and hoped they had a great Father's Day.

I think Carl and I are blessed to have dads who have a great sense of humour, and a depth of wisdom to them all in one package.

My dad especially always keeps us laughing with his jokes. I remember the time in high school where he scared me almost to puking, just to play a practical joke. How many dads are that (cruel) funny! I still laugh about it. He was pretty patient when I was a teenager and always had good words of wisdom to share. Even as an adult, his insight is greatly appreciated. He has many experiences all over the globe serving in an international school and as a pastor. He makes beautiful furniture and is an amazing carpenter. But even better, he has a great voice. He uses his gift of music to bless others. In fact, he blesses many people in church with his leadership and discernment. He is a man of God that is respected and loved. The kids love having a T-A-L-L grandpa that never minds leaning down and sharing a story. It's amazing the conversations they have with their Grandpa Buhler.

I have memories of Carl's dad jumping up on the desk in my Anabaptist history class. He is a passionate man! So life with him is never dull. He has had an interesting life of globe-trotting with missions, teaching, carpentry, writing, and church leadership. He has a real heart for people and goes out of his way to help wherever he can. He loves the garden, and it's amazing all he knows about plants and trees. His plot of land in the woods has been transformed into a cabin-garden-pond-treehouse-sanctuary where many people have been blessed. Whomever he meets, Carl's dad makes a lasting impression on. He is one of those people that changes your life. Our kids have a wonderful relationship with their Grandpa Heppner. They love it when he reads them stories, or plays soccer with them.

We have really appreciated our dads and wish we could be closer to them. In the last few years, both of our dads have experienced health issues, and that has reminded us of how precious our relationship is with them. It causes us to reflect on the impact they have made in our lives, it makes us laugh at the quirks we have inherited, and makes us thankful for the impression they are leaving on our children. They are both dearly loved, are both so important, both such men of God.

We hope that you have experienced blessings this Father Day. We love you both.