Good Good Father

Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich

Father's Day is just around the corner. For this reason, I couldn't resist the chance to share with you and sing the praises of the incredible man that is my dad.

​My dad turned 80 this year, although he refused to admit it. He jokingly denied it saying he was 79 and he has chosen to age in reverse from here on out. Sounds like a great plan. He is a character for sure. 
 
My dad is the strong and silent type. He is extremely generous and kind and shows his love through constant loving acts of service for his family and community. My siblings and I have always been affectionately known as "babe," to my dad. It is a term of endearment that always makes us smile.   

Growing up we would always be presented with little treats and snacks that my dad had carefully prepared which he always deemed were "world famous." My family laughs because they say "world famous" usually meant, very sugary, buttery or salty, but none the less "world famous" ALWAYS meant made with love so we were always happy to dig in.

If we had a road trip as teenagers that we were doing on our own, without fail, dad would gas up the car, turn it around parked towards the highway and make us a lovely breakfast to see us off. He was and always is doing kind gestures to show how much he cares. 

My dad is the Corps Sergeant Major at the local Salvation Army church. He has actively served there for many years. Many times, he has been called upon to preach when the officers are away, and it is always a pleasure to hear his wonderful sermons.

My dad is such an inspiration. He still works at eighty years old every day and despite the profound heartbreak that he has recently experienced, he keeps on smiling and serving God with all his heart.

You see, my dad lost his love, my mom in 2022, and it was so devastating for him. My mom was a "one in a million" type of person. Everybody loved her and she is so missed. Mom was in a dark depression, and she died in that state. We all had such high hopes for her getting better, but it never happened. It was so sad for all of us.
 
My dad remained strong through it all and God brought an amazing new woman into his life named Martha. Martha was a surprise blessing for my dad. He was so happy; his joy was returning, and they got engaged.

Sadly, six months after they met though, she too passed away. Our hearts were so broken for my dad as he lost two wonderful women in one year.  It was unbelievable.

Through it all my dad has been such an example to all despite what he has faced. He models strength in adversity and that although we may not understand why God allows things to happen to us, we must still trust him.

He is truly a remarkable and special man. I love him beyond words and I am extremely blessed to have him right around the corner, in my town.

He brings over pizza, volunteers in my classroom, chaperones my field trips for my students, calls in to check in, gives wise and sincere advice and impacts his community in so many ways. 

Mom always said it wasn't hard for us to understand the love of God the father when we had the experience of having a dad like ours. She was so right.

Dad and I.

Dad preaching at the Salvation Army.

In Psalm 103:13 (ESV) it says: As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.

In God we have the ultimate father. He is a good, good, father. Even the best dads pale in comparison.  
 
I realize that everyone's experiences are different with their fathers. You maybe had or have the best dad, like me. You perhaps have or had a very different experience. There could be so many different stories of dads that were not good fathers for whatever reason. If that is your story, I am very sorry.
 
Whatever your experience with your earthly father is, please know that there is a heavenly father that loves you unconditionally and he longs to have a relationship with you. He loves you so much that he sent his son to die on a cross so that you could have everlasting life and one day live forever in Heaven with him. 
 
All you must do is acknowledge that he is your Saviour, ask for forgiveness, and you can have that relationship with a heavenly father that will make your life complete.   

If you would like more information about our loving heavenly father or would like to continue the conversation, please feel free to reach out to me at [email protected].  I would be honoured to chat and pray with you. 

Dear Heavenly Father,
We thank you that you are such an amazing father and that you love us unconditionally. I would pray that all  my friends would accept you and experience the love that only you can give.

In Jesus' name,
Amen

Until next time,
​Dana 

Author

Dana Romualdi is a Canadian elementary teacher, author, social worker, blogger and speaker. She has a passion for helping others and spreading much-needed encouragement. She lives in Canada with her husband and two grown children. When she is not working in the classroom or writing, she enjoys drinking coffee, watching Netflix and reading great books. ​

Dad volunteering in my Grade 3 classroom.

Tags: Father's Day, dads, fathers, parenting, God's love

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