You left me when I was 7. Cancer took you from us. Confusion entered our family. First, there was sadness. Then for me, anger. We all handled it differently. If I am honest, there was a lot of hard times. My anger was the root of many of those hard times. However, the reflection of the rest of our upbringing, provides for many bright spots and memories of good times. Somehow, Mom did it all by herself. Well, it wasn’t all by herself. We had people in our lives who were key figures that contributed to the people we are today.

As an adult, it looked good to the rest of the world. Back then, Facebook wasn’t a thing. If it was, you might say, I had the perfect Facebook family. However, I was headed on the wrong path. Porn and sexually addictive behaviors that were rooted in my childhood carried into my adult life. I was a 30-year-old 13-year-old. I was newly married and the truth about me was coming out.

And? God extended His hand and saved me. He gave me a new path. He showed me a different path. The Father provided. He gave me a new life.

I took that life and made it my own. Repairing my inner self was only part of it. I didn’t have the example of a traditional functional family to live by. I had to learn it from someone else. All this work for change for better before I truly found Jesus, covered a span of 13 years. During that period, Grace and I brought 3 children into this World. Thank God, I was given a different path to follow. Although, I may have jumped or fallen off the path from time to time, I always found my way back onto the path.

This Father’s Day was the best I can ever remember. Sure, I had plenty of good times on Father’s Day over the years. In a humble way, pride comes to mind when I think of the family I built with Grace. Literally!

Despite the drenching rain, It was a wildly calm weekend, filled with over 27 hours of racing. (The Le Mans and NASCAR – My youngest son and I probably watched about 7 hours of racing including, an hour long Le Mans stint from 1am -2am Sunday morning) We watched multiple movies, and time was spent at home with my wife and my kids. Other things besides racing that jump out, are eating my favorite meal with family and a special project I am working on with my youngest son.

I did it! Dad. I am doing it! Dad. I am doing what you never got to finish. It has not been a perfect ride. However, I am proud of the family I have built. I am proud of the children I have raised. I am proud of my children who are taking my example into adulthood.

I thank Jesus for showing me the way. I thank Jesus for providing the path.

Today, I am grateful for all that has been given to US.

That’s the Follow Up.