I know, Memorial Day should make me think of our soldiers and veterans who have served our country so well and have worked to help us get and keep the freedoms that we so enjoy, and I am thankful for them but Memorial Day always makes me think of my Dad and Waterloo, NY.
Roger Nelson was born on May 30, 1950 and was raised in Waterloo, NY, the birthplace of Memorial Day. He loved having his birthday on Memorial Day because Waterloo always had a parade "for his birthday." I think that he would have joked around that this year (since Memorial Day falls on a Monday) the rest of the country would actually be celebrating Memorial Day on the right day. He loved Waterloo ("Birthplace of Memorial Day and Elsie the Cow" he'd say).
Three years ago today he was at the Memorial Day parade with a few of his Gideon friends giving out New Testaments. Many people told me that they saw him there and had little chats with him that meant a lot to them, many of whom hadn't seen him or chatted with him in months or years. He was doing what was most important to him - giving out God's Word - on one of his favorite days of the year. I chatted with him that evening, wishing him happy birthday and he told me what a great day it had been with the parade and a picnic.
Four days later I got the call telling me that my Daddy had gone Home to Heaven. Oh, how I miss him but how glad I am for him that he no longer has to struggle with his old, broken body.
So happy birthday Dad, happy almost 3 years in heaven. Missing you makes me more homesick to get there.
Thank You God for my Dad and the example You gave me in him. He wasn't perfect but he loved You. I miss him so much. Thank You for helping me through and truly being "a Father to the father-less." Please help me to follow in his footsteps, live for You and serve You, as he did.
Monday, May 30, 2011
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