My parents were interviewed by Richmond Times Dispatch in honor of their 60th Wedding Anniversary. I asked the interviewer for a copy of the video three years ago. I found it, and remembered that my dad had described my actual birthday–the one from 1965.

I’m so glad I kept this audio and his voice. Each year I select a life verse. I’m so glad dad talked about his journey and ended with his life verse. It’s mine, too.

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
    for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go,
    for to you I entrust my life. Psalm 143:8

In our Bible study, we are studying “Looking for Lovely”. In one of the sessions, she used the word “amphiblestron” which is a casting net for fish. When skillfully cast from the shore you can swiftly catch the fish you see passing by and all their friends, too! She challenged us to keep a mental amphiblestron net to catch our lovelies. Our lovelies turn into memories and produce a grateful heart full of joy.

“Looking at the last 24 hours of your life, what’s a little gift God has given you? What’s a small blessing, a small gift, a little fishy reminder that He is on your side and you should not give up?” (p. 70)

My dad’s birthday is tomorrow, October 23, 1933. Our usual celebration is that we go out together and celebrate both of our birthdays. I’ll miss you this year daddy. I didn’t sleep well last night, so got up. I had a lot on my mind. Early this morning, I woke up and listened to the entire 40 minute video from 3 years ago. Hearing our voices from that day made me laugh and cry. I went back to that day sitting on the sofa with mom and you in the rocking chair. How awesome that the Richmond newspaper highlighted your love story. I never would have thought that in this moment of collecting lovelies that God would bring to my mind this interview. God is good. He woke me up to experience lovely.

I’m in a good place dad. Our memories are filled with the love of God, forgiveness, and grace. I ache to see you, but my mind is filled with all the lovelies of you and I.

I love you daddy. Always…