I learned that there is a plan for everything and for everything you must have a plan. There is a plan for grocery shopping: William you hit the milk aisle. Elizabeth the produce. I'll get the deli and mom will get the stuff the rest of us don't understand. We'll meet at the register in 7 minutes.
I learned that you always want to be on the A team. Being on the A team means giving it your all. I'm proud to say that I was on the Cheerleader Car Wash A team with dad for 4 years; William and dad have been on the lawn mowing and hedging A team for years. I'm sure many of you have made one of his A teams, too.
I learned being on time means being 15 minutes early.
I learned that it really takes a family of four and about three and one-half days to build the biggest, best, and most technologically advanced sand castle for miles around on the beach.
I learned that the real purpose of sports, and this may come as a surprise to many in our competitive Coppell community, including my mom, is to have fun. As my dad would say, "We are undefeated...we had fun every game."
I learned the importance of role models.
I learned how a father should love a son; how a father should love a daughter; and how a husband should love a wife. And, I got a glimpse of how much my heavenly father must love me.
I learned you can never be too old to be a kid.
I learned that life is an adventure and that you should ride all the roller-coasters you can.
I learned to believe in Santa and that there really is a Santa as I watched my dad deliver Barbie dolls at Christmas, hand out toys at the Special Olympics, and if you ever came to our house at Halloween you not only got a hot wheel, but an explanation of the model and its popularity.
I learned that washing cars every weekend not only gets cars shiny clean, but also builds relationships.
I learned that throwing a baseball results in growth, maturity, and moral character. My dad spent hours playing catch with William in the alley behind our house or at the park.
I learned that kindness is important.
I learned that everyone is important.
I learned that a smile is contagious.
I learned "Jesus loves me, this I Know."
I learned that walking the walk is more important than talking the talk.
I learned that "Yoohoo, I'm home" means I love you and I am here to serve you, now. My dad would always come home from work, open the door and holler that phrase. Gosh, I'm really going to miss that.
Yeah, I am pretty sure that all I really need to know I learned from my dad. I am really going to miss you dad but I am so lucky that I got to spend 20 incredible years with a truly great man. I will always be a daddy's girl.
My dad and I were waiting until I turned 21 to try out for "The Amazing Race" on television. But my dad has finished his own amazing race. As it says in 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
"Yoohoo," God did you hear him?
This time when he said, "Yoohoo, I'm home." God opened the door.
On behalf of my family, thank you so much for all the love, support, prayers, and kind words. It has truly made a difference.
And so on,
Elizabeth
