THINGS I NEVER UNDERSTOOD by Daughter Jamie

I never understood why you had to say "This hurts me more than this hurts you."

I never understood why you had to play the bugle at our bedroom door at 8 AM on a Saturday morning.

I never understood why you and Mom always had to side with each other instead of us.

I never understood why you made us go to church when we were on vacation.

I never understood why you had to thank every waitress for her smile and tell her that her Mother was proud of her.

I never understood why you had to hug men.

I never understood why you paid us to read books.

I never understood why you had to write Mom a little love note when you were only going to be gone one night.

I never understood why you were not always home.

And Now I Know.

Now I know what "This hurts me more than it hurts you" means, now that I am a parent.

Now I know that the early bird gets the worm and hard work pays off.

Now I know that you and Mom didn't always agree but you pretended to agree so we couldn't play you against each other.

Now I know that going to church is to glorify God no matter what state you happen to be in on Sunday.

Now I know that you had a good idea the waitress was working two jobs to make ends meet and feed her kids and was just about to give up hope on life.

Now I know that there are people crying out everywhere for some form of affection or attention, from anyone who is willing to give it."

Now I know that readers are leaders and nothing can replace the knowledge gained through books. Now I understand what love really is and that a life long marriage takes constant work and commitment.

Now I understand why you were not home all the time. You were sharing the gospel and your God given gifts with the rest of the world one person at a time. I am sure there were many times you would have much rather laid around the house and watched football. Now I understand the many sacrifices you made for us that we were oblivious to at the time. I thank God that I was blessed with a Father with morals, integrity, and compassion, who after he was done helping people, always came home to his wife and six children.

I love you, Dad. Happy Birthday. -Jamie