By Kristen Entwistle

Dear Dad,

Twenty four years ago, you became a father.  When you and Mom signed up for this crazy thing called parenting, you had no idea what you were getting yourselves into.  Really, though – you had no idea.  I’m sure that you were scared to be holding a little life in your hands, worried that you wouldn’t be a good dad, that your child wouldn’t turn out okay, that your child would get hurt physically and emotionally.  Three months after you became a father, you held me in your arms and faced the unknown of a diagnosis of a terminal illness.  I can’t imagine what thoughts went through your head, how many sleepless nights you and Mom had wondering why this happened to your little girl.  I can’t imagine what it was like to hear that your child had a life expectancy less than your own age that day.

Three years and one week after you became a father for the first time, you became a father again to another beautiful little girl.  I’m sure you had some of the same fears but the best news was probably that she was healthy.  I can imagine the relief and the joy that that news brought.  You probably still worried that your second little girl would get hurt someday.  I’m sure you still worry about that – actually I know you do.

Almost six years after you became a father for the first time, you became a father again to your son.  Again, the relief and joy when he was pronounced healthy and whole.  This time, different fears and worries and hopes – that you would together with Mom raise a son that you would be proud to have carry on the family name someday.

Over the years, I know the three of us kids have nearly given you heart attacks when we’ve jumped from trees and swingsets and broken arms playing soccer and needed stitches after playing with a tape measure at your office and needed stitches after falling in the street.  I know we’ve made you angry and you’ve probably wondered at times why you signed up for parenting.  I know we’ve disappointed you when we’ve made the wrong choices.  I know that your heart has broken with ours when our circumstances aren’t what we hoped.

Over the years, I’ve seen you have a passion for people in Poland and I’ve seen God use you in amazing ways to bring glory to Him there.  I’ve watched you invest in hundreds of college students as they pass through your classes.  I’ve watched you invite families into your home and build relationships with them that have lasted many, many years.  I’ve seen you love Mom the way she deserves be loved.  I’ve seen you cry when I sing.  I’ve seen you glow with pride when talking about my sister, who is traveling the world and following her dreams and who is incredibly smart.  I’ve seen your joy when you talk about the accomplishments of your son as he graduated from high school.  I’ve seen you give up time out of your busy schedule to build a porch with your son, take your daughters to swim practice at inhumane hours in the morning, skype with my sister almost daily while she was in another country.  I’ve watched you encourage Mom to go back to doing accounting after staying at home with us for many years, and encourage her art (which is incredible, by the way).  I’ve seen you help my sister pursue classes and internships and friendships that will serve her well in life.  I’ve watched you building your son up in Christ and encouraging him to follow his dreams at Calvin next year.  You and Mom have raised my sister, an incredible daughter, and my brother, a fantastic son; both of whom are wise beyond their years and are bringing glory to God in all that they do.  You should be proud of that.

I’m sure at times you wondered if you were doing it right.  I’m sure you wondered if we were going to turn out alright.  Well, the three of us are living proof that you did something right, Dad.  Thanks for being my Dad.

You took me to innumerable doctor’s visits as a child and adolescent.  You got involved with research in coping with my doctors because it meant something to you.  You’ve ridden countless miles to help raise money for the disease that I have.  You’ve listened to my long rants about doctors and hospitals and medications and insurance companies – and never complained about it.  You’ve encouraged me to go away to college and pursue my graduate degree.  You’ve read pretty much every single entry on this blog and encouraged me to keep writing and studying the Scriptures.  You’ve listened to me sing and play piano and flute and piccolo and told me it sounded good, even when I’m sure it didn’t.  You’ve driven hundreds of miles to see me even when I never asked you to.  You’ve prayed for me in every situation and every circumstance.  You’ve loved me even when I didn’t deserve it.  You’ve shown me what it looks like to live for Christ and an example of what a Godly man is.  I know you’re not perfect, but you have allowed God to use you to bring about His glory and to continue shaping you to be more like Him.

Thanks, Dad, for far more than I’ve been able to say here.  Happy Father’s Day!

Love,

Your daughter