When God has blessed you with a great Daddy, I suppose you’ll always be a Daddy’s girl.  🙂  I’ve been blessed to have been given a wonderful Dad- hardworking, loving, kind, friendly, outgoing, encouraging, and a perfect example of not letting some very unfair, tragic things in life make him bitter.  Nine years ago, on Focus on the Family, I heard a program urging everyone to write tributes to people (especially parents) while they were still alive.  Today, my Dad, Chuck, is 86 years old and still goin’ strong.  I’d like to share the tribute I wrote to him.

Happy Birthday Dad!

(and may God give you many more 🙂 ) 

An Unlikely Hero

These days, there’s a lot of talk about heroes.  After 9/11, people are acknowledging that true heroes don’t have “super powers” like Superman or Spiderman.  They aren’t larger than life personalities like John Wayne or Clint Eastwood. True heroes are simple, ordinary people found in the most common places.  Their names will never be in “lights”, they won’t be asked for their autograph, and there will be no light of recognition except by those who love and know them.  However, when life throws them difficulties and challenges, these heroes draw deep from the well of their character and exhibit courage, dedication, strength and fortitude.  Honor, commitment, and perseverance are not lofty, cartoonish ideals to them.  These hallmark characteristics are so deeply ingrained in their fiber of their being, they can’t respond any other way.

I wish you could have the privilege of meeting one of these hereos.  Chuck Benedict is my seventy-seven year old father.  Born in the depression era and serving our country in World War II, I believe Dad exemplifies what is best about his generation.  Dad still believes that a job worth doing is worth doing well.  He clings to the belief that a man’s word is his bond.  Way before the Recycle/Reduce/Reuse mantra of this generation, Dad would save everything because, “you never know when you might need it someday.”  He honors God, family, and country and would lay down His life to protect and defend them.

My Dad is an extremely hard worker.  I only remember him missing work one time from sickness.  I was so worried he was dying, because I’d never seen Daddy stay home and go to bed.  Mom assured me he would survive. 🙂  Not only has he always worked hard, I observed he seemed very satisfied to be productive.  When I was little, he was there to help with homework, cheer me on and encourage me to do my best.  He made me feel the special wonder of being “his little girl.”  I was bursting with pride when “MY” Dad made reindeer antlers for all nine reindeer AND Rudolph’s glowing red nose for the first grade Christmas program.

Dad’s easy to talk to because he listens.  I felt like I could ask him anything- and I often did!  First, it was questions like, “Why is the sky blue?” and “How does lightening work?” to the bigger questions in life; boys, dating, friendships, and life’s purpose. He gave me the confidence to be myself, respect myself, and set high goals for my future.  I tried to excel because I wanted my parents to be proud of me me- yet I never felt their love was conditional!  Even when I know I disappointed them I felt secure in their commitment and love.

If you know Dad, you’ll know he is a storyteller!  I love hearing him talk about the “old days.”  Wisdom, tempered with humor, make his stories fun to listen to.  He jokes that his mother said the reason all the Benedicts talk so much was because they were vaccinated with a “phonograph needle.”!  I’m amazed at how many people my Dad knows.  Maybe from owning and operating a gas station on Route 66 for over 50 years, or growing up and living in the same geographical area, but most probably from his outgoing, friendly personality that says, “I’ve never met a stranger.”  My brother and I benefitted from his friendliness.  I stood a little taller when people asked, “Are you Chuck Benedict’s girl?”

Dad is optimistic and practical. “Do your best.”  “It doesn’t hurt to want.” and “Life isn’t fair.” were some of the adages he passed on to me. Even though life has handed him some very difficult things (the death of two wives- one to cancer, one to Alzheimer’s, and the loss of his successful business), his faith has been tested and he’s stood strong and been an example to me of true faith in God!  True faith is NOT believing God should make your life a “bed of roses.”  True faith is believing God will get you through whatever life brings your way and safely guide you to the end of your days, securing a home in heaven where sadness, sorrow, trials, and tears will be banished forever!

I am so thankful and privileged to have you Dad, for my father.  God was so good to lookd down and see a fatherless/motherless little girl needing a home and place her with the best parents anyone could ever ask for.  I love you Dad and I’m proud to be your daughter.  You are my hero!

(post note) We’re blessed to have my Dad living with us and since he’s moved to Kansas, he has proved his “secret” is his outgoing personality! It seems he knows half of Lawrence.  He’s a greeter at Hy-vee and delivers bread and baked goods to the Senior facilities in town. Once again, people ask me,  “Are you Chuck’s daughter?”

         Surprising Treasure: Godly parents are a gift from God!