STATE CHAMPIONS BABY!!! Jaron and his U14 soccer team from Pearl defeated Madison 1-0 to win the State Games State Championship. I am so proud of him, and so happy for him! It’s probably his last “rec” tournament, because he will be playing high school soccer from now on, and possibly some select.
Today is Father’s Day. I am so happy to be a daddy, and so proud of my kids. They are great, GREAT kids! I talked about them on Day 50. They are such a joy to me, even though we have our moments around here when it is not fun. I love seeing them grow up, and watching the “light bulb” go on about certain things. Jaron and I can now have deeper conversations about life and spiritual matters. Melody actually loves to talk to me, when the planets are aligned and she’s in the mood. I love seeing them do well in soccer and in dance. I love seeing them have great friends to hang out with. I love to laugh with them about something silly, or with the puppies. I don’t know what my life would be like at this point without them. I love my children, and pray that I can be the kind of daddy that they deserve.

That being said, I miss my daddy. Well, actually I have two! I never knew my biological daddy, so it’s kind of hard to say I miss him. I would love to know what my life would be like today and how it would have been different growing up, had he lived a full lifetime. It strikes my anew during this time that he never saw his 50th birthday. Wow – that is short. I can’t imagine. I think I am going to get involved at http://www.ancestory.com and see what I can find out about him, along with his side of the family.

But indeed I do miss my daddy that I did know. Joe Kendrick was literally a God-send into mine and Momma’s lives. I would have to think long and hard to find the words to describe my love for him. It blows my mind that when he got married for the first time at age 55, that he took me in, just like I was, with no questions asked. Looking back, I am 100% positive that he would’ve loved to have had days when I wasn’t around, so he could just enjoy my mom. But I guess I was so starved for a daddy that I just flooded him with my love and affection, and he had no other choice than to put up with my playfulness! Get this – he was a dairy farmer who basically didn’t have a life, and he then found himself going to BAND CONCERTS and football games, and church basketball games and taxiing me all around Monroe County, just because he and Momma wanted to keep up with me! He provided for me and her and sacrificed so much for what I’m sure he wanted at that age – which was probably peace and quiet. But then again, aside from the war, peace and quiet was all he had ever known, so I guess he was ready for a little activity! Anyway, all I know is that he loved me so much. I can hear him call me “Tater” so clearly even right now. It rings in my ear. That’s why I call Melody my “Tater”, so that it keeps that tradition going. Many times throughout most days, something reminds me of him, and the way he would do something or the way he would laugh about something or a story that he would come up with. I have nothing but incredible memories about “W”! It was the hardest thing Momma and I have ever been through, but while he was here it was definitely the best years my Mom and I ever had. I miss you W, and I can’t wait to see you on the other side, so we can sit and talk. And laugh. And love.

Today’s Top 50 Person: Johnny Buckner. My pastor in Starkville for the most impressionable period of my life spiritually. With out a doubt, Johnny is the Godliest man I have ever known, and it’s not even close. I say all the time, that he “ruined me for the ordinary”! His outlook on the Christian life, on ministry, on church leadership, and his world-view were and are instrumental in building my thoughts on all of these. I can’t find words to say how thankful I am for his influence in my life.

Today’s Christian Song: Praise The Lord by The Imperials.

Today’s Quote: “Don’t be the person who spends his entire life climbing the ladder of success, only to get to the top and find the ladder leaning against the wrong building.” By Me!

Today’s Thanks: Joseph Winslow Kendrick, Jr. See above.

Today’s Verse: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8.