Dad,
Hard to imagine this is our third Father’s Day without you. I am not sure if I will ever get used to it so that your absence feels normal. Days like this hold good memories, although Father’s Day was always intertwined with Synod for as long as I can remember. Some might find that annoying, but knowing you loved the rhythm of Synod, it was not hard to share Father’s Day with your Synod Schedule.
I miss you in so many ways, but especially in 2020, as we encounter racism in new and intensified ways. I say new, but I remember how you and Mom lived through the ’60s and would talk about the riots and how those events shaped you both. It feels like the themes are the same, and something has to change. I would love to hear your wisdom on this and thoughts on how the Church can be a change agent for peace in our cities, nation, and world.
I will still hold your advocacy for The Belhar Confession close to my heart and as inspiration to not give up, even if others don’t always see things the same way. I found this tonight and listened, celebrated in your words, and wept. To hear you and to see you and to feel you was a real gift on this Father’s Day. The message you spoke in 2009 is one we need to continue to heed today.
I miss your perspective on how we as Christians need to live in a world filled with conflict and trouble, as you brought experiences that were so much broader than just what is happening in our section of the world. I often remember your words, and I still hear your voice, stating and knowing that God is still on His throne. I still claim that truth and am committed, as you modeled, never to lose hope that God’s kingdom will be furthered through the obedient work of His people.
I love looking at pictures and so often stop to remember a moment shared while you were living. Our photographs tell such a story. We laughed a lot, traveled, spent lots of time with family, and learned how to show up and support one another. You taught us well, Dad, and all of it continues, but not without acknowledging your absence and being tender to our sorrow.
Mom is amazing, tender, and steadfast and continues to live even in the ache of wishing she was sharing life with you at her side. We love her deeply and enjoy time spent together. You would marvel at all the stories she would have to share. Often she says, I wonder what your father would think or say, how we miss your input into our lives.
And yet, as you and Mom have taught us, life does end, and life goes on, and we do the best we can to live well and faithful to God’s call on our lives. Today I miss you and Len. We spent the weekend with Nick and Jonna, and it was a good way to be together on Father’s Day. We golfed, and I know you would have liked the course. I heard your words often, “you drive for show and putt for dough.” My show game was ok, but my dough game not so much. 🙂
We miss you, Dad, and your memory lives on in our hearts and stories we share.
Happy Father’s Day.
Till we meet again,
Love, Trish
One of your best, Trish! Yes we need wisdom in these days and I watch 3 of my greats growing up in this world as bi-racial, I fear for what is ahead for them, but praying daily, “Maranatha, come quickly Lord Jesus. “I am thankful God is still on His throne, His plans will not be thwarted and His grace IS sufficient. May we be used each day to point people toward HIM, always for HIS glory. Miss you and as our sweet Dorie always would say, “See you later; here, there or in the air!”🙏
Oh Trish, so true! I also miss your Dad, my brother, and have to admit that I’m glad when Father’s Day is over for another year, because I still miss uncle Jack so much,especially on those days. Yesterday would have been our 63 rd anniversary, so everyone came over on Saturday evening to reminisce and to spend one more evening at our home before we move the furniture . We sat on the deck and talked. I still have the book on the Belhar, It’s in Zuid Afrikaans, but I can read it very well. Love to you, my dear,
Aunt Margaret
On Sun, Jun 21, 2020 at 9:56 PM Journey to my heart…. wrote:
> trishborgdorff posted: ” Dad, Hard to imagine this is our third Father’s > Day without you. I am not sure if I will ever get used to it so that your > absence feels normal. Days like this hold good memories, although Father’s > Day was always intertwined with Synod for as long as ” >