Tear faucet has been turned on

Today is father's day (one of my top 5 holidays), and it seems that from the moment my feet hit the floor the tear faucet was turned on and I couldn't turn it off. I'd like to think it had something to do with the -5 hrs of sleep that I didn't get but truth be told I just like Father's Day and I like the people I got to spend it with even better. I'll skip to the middle of the afternoon and I'll fill in the morning parts later. My dad, my sister, her husband John, and my favorite little 7 month old Ethan, and of course myself all went to Harrisville today to celebrate the great Sommerville dads. (Even though John isn't a Sommerville, he secretly wishes he was, we'll let the non-blood sneak into the category today under great dads). For the next couple of days (if I remember) I'd like to celebrate each generation on the blog. Today we get to start with the oldest, the wisest, the handsome Robert.

*Tears well up again*

When I think of my grandfather many words, emotions, thoughts, and memories flood my heart (my eyes), and my mind.

Sitting on the porch swing with the red quilt on his lap singing "I'll Fly Away", his garden, the Christmas story, all of our countless hours putting on plays for him and the family, radish ice cream cones (still gross), riding with him on the mower, those hugs, he gives the best hugs, his steadfastness, every time he prays I melt. (just to name a quick few)

He is the patriarch of this family and holds his position with the highest honor. In our family behind every great dad there is Granddad. He has successfully set the tone for our family and the legacy that we will leave behind. It begins in a tiny WV town and a guy checking out a cute blonde cheerleader (some things don't change in our fam). Grandmother informed me today (I've heard the story over 100 times- I can't get enough) but today I learned that granddad originally thought blondes were trouble makers, haha he was right. He overheard grandmother saying she was late to the basketball game because of prayer meeting and he knew he had met the love of his life... he'd capture her heart. And he did and he has held it delicately for 60+ years. He is such a hard worker, a caregiver, provider, a friend, a lover, a stern hand, and always good for a chuckle.

Mostly I am struck by his tender heart! His pursuit of a God who is captivated by him, and his dedication to being in tune with his creator... His daily time in the word, his faithful prayers about who the Lord is and what He has done... and of course his soft spot for my grandmother. She always speaks at how his words are encouraging and how he tells her daily of her beauty. (He speaks the truth in all areas!!!!)

I am truly honored that he set the tone of his family's life and stayed in step with Christ while he raised my father and the crew, that he is the one I get to call friend, and grandfather. He set the bar high, his kids all rose to the occasion, and he is the one that allowed me to see what I am waiting for is worth it!