to my pops

The Francis Family in Ocean City, MD in fall of 1996.

Over the years I've noticed that my dad is the kind of person who attracts "strays." By strays, I mean people who don't really have a place to belong. For the longest time, I attributed that to chance or maybe to God putting them in his life in such a way that he couldn't get away from them, but I've been wrong about that. My dad doesn't attract people who need community, love, friendship, shelter, jobs, food, etc. My dad simply has eyes to see people that others forget, he has a heart to welcome people into his life, he has wisdom to discern how to help others in ways that teach them instead of making them dependent, and he has listening ears to hear people. I am so thankful to have a daddy who models that for me! 

I remember a weekend that my dad came to visit me during my sophomore year at Wheaton. It was a time in my life where things were turbulent in my romantic life and I needed guidance. The funny thing was, four of my closest friends were also at turbulent points in their romantic lives and they, too, needed some guidance. Without knowing what he was getting himself into, my dad took us all out for dessert at one of my favorite restaurants. As we sat in the antiquated, dimly lit room, the five of us devoured cheesecake and brownies while we leaked our confessions about our hearts to my dad. My dad didn't look at his watch over the hours we were there, he listen to us, advised us, and treated all five of us like his daughters. That's my dad.

I have a wonderful daddy. My dad is my biggest supporter and my loudest fan. He's also the first person to tell me if he thinks I'm making a mistake. He listens to me, prays for me, and counsels me. I am so thankful for his presence in my life.

I love you dad. Thanks for all that you have done over the years and all that you do for me every day, knowingly or unknowingly.