More Than Wood...It's a Representation of a Father's Love

Within our home are various items my dad made for me starting at only a few months old. The four-tier shelf in our bathroom is signed and dated, 1971, a few months after I was born. A small bookend shelf holds my morning devotion books, dated when I was still yet a toddler. Various little hand crafted pieces reflecting the love of a father for his daughter, created and designed with no motive other than to express  this love.

"You've kept track of my every toss and turn 
through the sleepless nights,
each tear entered in Your ledger, 
each ache written in your book." 
Psalm 56:8 MSG

Through the years the projects slowed as Dad's work schedule increased to pay bills and provide for his family. He still puttered on things here and there yet the time wasn't there to do as much as he wished.

After the loss of a loved one, each family member responds differently. Some bury themselves in their work, hobbies, or whatever their vice is to avoid the pain and loss. Then there are those that quit doing what they love because there doesn't seem to be a purpose. I know Ed and I took less vacations because I didn't want to leave in case Heidi called or was found.

Dad's puttering transitioned to tools collecting dust until a few years ago. In December 2010 I spoke for the first time at a community outreach event. It was fabulous on so many levels. I learned to focus my thoughts, pray more diligently, and trust 100% on Him. Since that first Thursday evening at the Believer's Chapel North, Mexico, New York -- I have shared with women's groups, Bible study groups, on Sunday mornings as a guest speaker, to teachers, and local organizations.

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"Love is patient, 
love is kind. 

It does not envy,  
it does not boast, 
it is not proud. 
It is not rude, 
it is not self-seeking, 
it is not easily angered, 
it keeps no record of wrongs. 

Love does not delight in evil 
but rejoices with the truth. 

It always protects, 
always trusts, 
always hopes,  
always perseveres. 
Love never fails." 
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a, NIV

And these events have slowly increased the "projects" created at the hands of my parents. The motive behind each piece is the same, LOVE. The result is the same too, expressions of love from a father to his daughter.

The best part about this is Dad is sharing his talent with others. He creates visuals for me when I speak and even some trinkets for people to take with them. Dad does the designing, building, staining, and applies the apoxy. (Spelling, lol) Mom designs and wood burns, or paints, in the details.

To write and speak is truly a family affair ~ all for the love and memory of Heidi and to share hope with others who might not realize there is hope after loss and tragedy.

Dad recently brought home this very cool wood, with red in the rings. I asked him what he planned to do with it. His response, "I don't know but it's pretty." Each time I visited him in the wood shop I looked at the wood and we brain stormed things he could build or ways to utilize the wood so the beauty within would be highlighted and useful. Our first thought, a foot stool. I put in my request and asked if he would make me a stool for Christmas this year. He said, "No, I don't think so."

Guess what? He is just sneaky - today, I brought home my stool. It's angled so I can rest my feet while balancing my laptop on my lap. He is so clever. No wonder he was measuring my legs and angle while sitting. Some might wonder, "Why didn't you ask?" One thing I've learned, and do myself, when we are asking peculiar questions - someone is "up to no good" to surprise you. I never thought it would be the stool yet I'm so glad it is. It's almost too pretty to put your feet on though! lol 

THANK YOU DAD!!!!

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"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me.
Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.
But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33

Where do you rest your feet after a long or tough day?