When I was young, my daddy was my hero.
I looked to him
for approval
for protection
for comfort
for guidance
for love
He gave me all that and more.
He was a good dad, as good as they come.
But one of the best things he did for me was to teach me
To live independently of him.
Dad could not be there for me always,
Though he would always love me.
He didn’t say “I love you” out loud, not that I recall,
But he wrote it in a letter, and I have it to this day,
and read it often.
As I matured, I learned to say
Goodbye.

Yet I am not fatherless.

One day I was adopted. I call Him Abba.
I look to Him
for approval
for protection
for comfort
for guidance
for love
He gives me all that and more.
He is not a good Dad—He’s the best!
But one of the best things He did for me was to teach me
To live wholly dependent upon Him.
Abba will be there for me always,
And He will always love me.
I have never heard Him say “I love you,”
But He wrote it in a Letter, and I have it to this day,
and read it often.
As I mature, I am learning to rest
In Him.

Written in memory of my Dad and in honor of my Abba

Copyright © 2018 Angela Umphers Rueger – All Rights Reserved

Photo taken with a Canon 35mm camera in Mexico, 1993