Last spring when Richard was having such a difficult time with O.C.D., anxiety, and bullies at school his father started a tradition that I didn't think would last this long! He would leave a note of encouragement stuck to the bathroom mirror every morning for Richard to find when he got ready for school. Each note starts with a scripture, then an explanation of how he can apply it to his life. They all end with words of love and encouragement. Richard loved getting them. He would get up and rush right into the bathroom to see if Dad remembered again. He would read the note and then tape it to the wall in his bedroom. I figured it would go on until school was out but Dee just kept right on going! Soon Richard's wall was literally covered with over 100 love/encouragement notes from his Dad.
Lately he has begun to tape them to his bedroom door after reading them. The ones that were on his wall have been filed in a little box that he keeps on his dresser. How many cards does he have? They began on May 16, 2008 and continue still. I am guessing close to 200 by now. They only stopped for one week while Dee was at the Olympic Swimming Trials this summer. Even when Richard was at Scout camp his Scoutmaster was given a note for each night Richard was there and Brother Davis dutifully gave them to him every evening. Richard thought that was very cool!
I asked Dee once, not long ago, if he was ever going to stop since Richard is doing so much better now.
Dee just smiled at me and said, "I don't see why I should stop. Besides, I love doing it. It's good for me too!" I asked him if he thought he had repeated a scripture in all of these months and he answered emphatically, "no!" I often think about this little treasure my son is in possession of. It is a legacy of faith and love from his Dad. He could never doubt his value to his father on Earth or in Heaven after reading all of these notes. He can take them with him on his mission or away to college and read one-a-day or whenever he felt discouraged or alone. What a gift!
So...today's Thankful Thought is for my husband and the love he has not just for his son but for all of us. In this one area in particular his expressions of faith to our son have been a big part of his recovery process. Dee, I love you!
3 comments:
Since becoming a "blogger" I have read many, many posts. I have laughed, cried, enjoyed, learned, etc., but I think this is one of the very sweetest I have read. What a wonderful gift Richard has received (and continues to receive) from his dad and what a wonderful dad he must be!! No wonder Richard is better. May God continue to bless all of you!
That is one of the sweetest neatest things I've ever read. That is just awesome. I love that know matter what Richard will never ever doubt the love of his Father (and mother and family) but he also knows of Dee's testimony and faith. What a blessing. To me Dee doing this was true inspiration. I'm with Nancy it's no wonder that Richard got better.
We love you all so much! Thanks so much for sharing!!!
Love ya, JoLynn
I've always had a deep love and respect for my sweet brother, in-law smim-law. Dee is such a loving, giving father, and a romantic husband (I remember finding a love note to Marianne that was left in a book she borrowed from Mom). There's not another one like him!
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