I have thought for years that I would write a book about grief and my story. Last year I took out all my journals through the years in an attempt to start an outline...it was too tough. So, I put them back on the shelf and hope to one day be able to do it. I really feel God leading me to put my story on paper because I do beleive that He has given me a story to share. I hope that one day I'll be able to share it in its entirety. In the meantime, I hope that you enjoy this tribute to my dad. He was a great man and he taught me many things that make me who I am. Here are a few.
- He taught me to be a hard worker. I'm sure that he didn't always like his job...and it wasn't the most glamorous. He always went to work, and I remember him going in at 5 a.m. most every morning. I know now that he did that for us to have the life that we did.
- He taught me to never quit. My brother and I played sports growing up...we didn't have to, but we did. He taught us that no matter how we felt, we couldn't quit mid-season. It wasn't okay to quit. I appreciate that.
- He (and my mom) taught me to value family meals. We always ate dinner together as a family. It is a tradition that I have continued with my family.
- He taught me to love my family. He loved his family. He would've done anything for his family. He was always at ALL of our games, practices, etc. It was a given. It is not a given for everyone. He taught me to respect my mother. He lead by example...he respected his mother.
- He taught me the value in a simple life. He was content to be with us...to spend time with his family, to tend to his garden, read the paper, drink a cup of coffee, sit on the front porch.
So, here's a tribute to Mac Hodge, my daddy. You left a legacy. I love you.
