Where's Heidi? Releases ONE WEEK FROM TODAY!

A photo of Heidi and I coloring Easter Eggs with my Dad, a priceless treasure to see each time I come across it. Our parents worked hard to provide for Heidi and I. Sometimes this meant they might miss a softball or volleyball game, be a few minutes late picking us up, or even take a power nap after dinner. One thing never faltered though, it was their dedication to "family". This isn't a word to my parents but a way of life. No matter how tired or stressed they might have been with the responsibilities that go with being an adult, they ALWAYS made time to make memories. 

One of my favorite aspects of our family when I grew up were the large family gatherings for holidays. New Year's Day we remembered family members already passed away at the Sacred Heart Church and then went out for breakfast or to Great Uncle Bill and Aunt Jeanette's home. Easter was always at my Gram's house. Christmas Eve was always at Great Aunt Kay and Uncle Buss' home. Thanksgiving was at Uncle Bob and Aunt Louise's house. Great Uncle Pete and Aunt Ellen hosted various holidays too. From the oldest to the youngest babe, at least three generations came together.

In addition to large family gatherings, my parents made sure there was something special at home too. They taught us to value family and the blessing each moment was. Sometimes our time at home was creating something like an Easter bonnet or our dish to pass. Dad had his favorite things to do with us, one of which was decorating the Easter eggs.

Both Mom and Dad taught us to respect and enjoy our extended family while also cherishing our smaller family unit. I thought about sharing Holly Dunn's "Daddy's Hands" today but then saw this song, "Daddy, You're My Hero", and thought this was more fitting. Just as carefully as our Dad dipped the eggs into the various colored cups, he raised us to respect others and ourselves. He taught us to appreciate all we have without expecting it. 

I'm thankful for the amazing Dad we grew up with. His example made it easy to understand how God, our heavenly Father could love me. God provided an example of a father's love from the moment He created me in my mother's womb. In less than a week, others will know just how amazing my parents are, especially our Dad.

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Do you understand how deep your Heavenly Father's love  is?
How will you celebrate Easter this year with your family?