Tuesday, February 15, 2011

We'll Be Okay! {Happy Birthday, Dad}

"Although, for a father there is no difference between a daughter and a son, still there exists something that makes the relation between a father and his daughter very special.

So many men and women have tried to imprison the essence of this relationship in words and the result was some very remarkable father daughter quotes and sayings.

A father knows that his mirror image i.e., son can, somehow, survive in the harsh world that exists on the other side of the doorstep. Father, being a man and once a child, knows through his personal experience, what is waiting for his son. However, he can not fathom and understand, being a man, how his little daughter is going to fare and face the realities of life. This makes him insecure and this feeling overshadows his relationship with the daughter. It makes him protective towards his daughter. For him, she never grows up and is always, the small girl who depended on him to fix a broken hand or a leg of her doll and fought with her brother to sit on his prized lap."

~Buzzle.com


Growing up in Haiti, the political climate there was always somewhat tumultuous. At the age of 8 years old, my understanding of that, albeit limited, was keen. We lived in Port-au-Prince just off of the main drag, close to the heart of the city and near to "the action" that often took place.

One particular day, there were boisterous demonstrations happening on that main road about a quarter mile from our house. Wanting to ensure our safety, my dad walked to the top of the hill to find out the nature of these demonstrations. We lived at the mission compound on the 3rd floor of the 3 story building, which also held a church & a school. The grounds were our personal playground, and we would often spend hours there. In the midst of our play, we became aware of the noisy demonstrations and that my dad was going to check it out, leaving the safety of the secure complex.

We ran to the gate of the property, but the security guard wouldn't let us past the gate because of course we WANTED to follow my dad and be where he was.

My sister was 4 at the time, and she was quite scared.

She kept asking me, "Where is Daddy? Where is he going? Why is he going up there?"

It's funny to me reflecting back on that memory because I can remember feeling NO fear in that moment.

Thus, putting on my big sister hat, I put my arm around her and said, with complete confidence, "Don't worry, Kasi! He'll be okay. He's Daddy!"

I think, like many little girls, I believed that my dad was invincible, like Superman.

As I got older and real life awareness kicked in, I still always knew that when my dad was around, we'd be safe. The reason I think that I knew this so well, is because my dad trusts in HIS Heavenly Dad for his life, my mom's, and for ours as well as the people God has called him to.

My dad knows that we'll be okay because HE {God} is the BIG DADDY!





Happy Birthday, Dad!


I love you,

7 comments:

Beverly Brumbley said... Best Blogger Tips

Beautiful tribute to your dad! What confidence you always had in him. What a wonderful trust he groomed in the two of you. And, all praise, as you said, goes back to our DAD. He is our strength and inspiration!

Stephanie said... Best Blogger Tips

What a sweet photo of the two of you together! Where are you walking in that one?

Two other questions:
1. Do your parents still live in Haiti?
2. Do you have many childhood pictures of your childhood in Haiti? You should share them here if you do.

stephanie@metropolitanmama.net

asliceofsmithlife said... Best Blogger Tips

Happy (belated) birthday to your dad! He seems like a strong person and great role model for you and your sister! As I was reading this post, I was afraid that it would end unhappily with your dad getting harmed when he went to check things out with you and your sister waiting for him. I was glad to know it had a happy ending and love the picture of you two! Thanks for sharing this wonderful post on NOBH!

Lindsey V said... Best Blogger Tips

Thanks, Mom! You didn't do so bad yourself! ;)

@Stephanie
Thanks, Steph! We were in Haiti last October. That was the first time I had seen my parents since the earthquake in Haiti 10 months before! CRAZY! They have lived there for 38 years! I do have LOTS pics of growing up there. Another reason for me to spend some time scanning! Hopefully soon!

@Tracy
Thanks so much! Yeah...WE, TOO, are glad that the story had a good ending! Thanks again for stopping by!

Lindsey V said... Best Blogger Tips

Thanks, Mom! You didn't do so bad yourself! ;)

@Stephanie
Thanks, Steph! We were in Haiti last October. That was the first time I had seen my parents since the earthquake in Haiti 10 months before! CRAZY! They have lived there for 38 years! I do have LOTS pics of growing up there. Another reason for me to spend some time scanning! Hopefully soon!

@Tracy
Thanks so much! Yeah...WE, TOO, are glad that the story had a good ending! Thanks again for stopping by!

Tracy said... Best Blogger Tips

Happy (belated) birthday to your dad! He seems like a strong person and great role model for you and your sister! As I was reading this post, I was afraid that it would end unhappily with your dad getting harmed when he went to check things out with you and your sister waiting for him. I was glad to know it had a happy ending and love the picture of you two! Thanks for sharing this wonderful post on NOBH!

Stephanie said... Best Blogger Tips

What a sweet photo of the two of you together! Where are you walking in that one?

Two other questions:
1. Do your parents still live in Haiti?
2. Do you have many childhood pictures of your childhood in Haiti? You should share them here if you do.

stephanie@metropolitanmama.net

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