My daddy...

     It is Father's Day. My daddy should be here for me to hug and kiss. Just over three years ago, my daddy went to live with Jesus. I take great joy in the fact that he is standing tall, out of pain, and I am pretty sure is hunting every early morning, in the mountains of Heaven. But the selfish Liz would like to have him here with me. I know he is in that better place that everyone talks about but I still very selfishly want him here with me. We were blessed to have him 8 more years after his heart attack. That heart attack should have taken down the average man, but not my daddy. My daddy was a great man, a man that everyone should strive to be like. He was my hero every single day of his life. He worked hard to provide what we needed. He loved us all so much and that is one of the main reasons he stayed around those extra years. He refused to give up. When the end was near for him, I could hardly stand to see him, and for that I am eternally sorry. I try to remember the man that I knew as a little girl...the man who loved me unconditionally. So on this Father's Day, I want you to know, Daddy, that I love you and I WILL see you again, and when that day comes, I will run into your arms and feel safe again.
     I am blessed to have a wonderful husband who is so very much like my daddy. James Ray Startz, thank you for being the daddy every kid deserves to have. I honestly don't know what I would do without you, my precious husband. My daddy loved you...you were his son, through and through. You helped nurse him for 8 years and for that one fact, you are my hero. The kids and I love you so very much...Happy Father's Day!