Tribute to Dad

I tried not to think too much about yesterday being Father’s Day.  For one, the daddy in our home isn’t home so there wasn’t any celebrating to do here.  Secondly, my own father is in his heavenly home so I can’t congratulate him either.  But then, maybe, it’s good for me to reflect on the impact my father had on my life rather than just try to avoid the pain of his loss.  With the pain may come some new appreciation.  So I’ll fight back some tears and write on.

Dad and Me 1999

My kids sometimes ask me about their Grandpa Snyder.  I really wish they could meet him, but even more that he could meet them.  I know they would love each other.  I would love to see them wrestle on the floor, to read a story, to admire cars together.  Most of all, I know my kids would laugh because that’s what many of my memories of my father include - laughter.  He loved to tell stories and sometimes got so caught up in his own stories that he “forgot” about reality altogether.  We didn’t have a DVD player to occupy us on our long car rides but we had dad’s stories.  I wish now that I had them recorded.

My dad was liked by nearly everyone he met.  In fact, I don’t know of anyone who didn’t like him.  He was a diplomat and peacemaker.  He loved people and found a way to relate to the old man in the nursing home, to the troubled teen, to the prisoner, to the highest authority in Nepal.  He made each one of them feel important. 

What I appreciated most about my dad was the time we spent together.  I cherish the memories of fishing in the morning fog, contemplating the wording for the persecution reports, pulling the water pump from my car, and watching movies over a bowl of popcorn.

Dad and Me 1974

My dad showed me that I was loved – by him and by my Heavenly Father.  From him I learned to treasure the Word of God, to value Christian fellowship, to share my faith with others, and to be willing to follow God wherever he would lead me.  I remember my father’s reaction when I told him I was leaving for the mission field.  He said something along the lines of, “I always wanted you to go where God led you, but I never knew it would hurt to see you go.” 

I am blessed to have known Steven Snyder as my dad and friend. 

Happy Father’s Day, Dad!  I look forward to seeing you again one day!