A Tribute to Fathers
When Daddy Let Me Drive
By Michelle Thompson-Duncan
28 February 2002
There are times in our lives that we can look back and reflect on.
Moments that we remember with such clarity that you believe you can
feel the sun or smell the flowers, just as you had then. Those
memories are the thread, spun and woven into the fabric of our very
existence; they are what made us who we are. There are some that are
clearer and more important than others and when you think of defining
moments, those are the ones that come to mind. For me, it was when
my dad let me drive.
For as long as I could remember, my dad wanted a Corvette. It was
his dream car and the whole family knew it. There was no preference
to year or color; it simply had to have style. Just days before my
eighteenth birthday, style is what he got when he drove home his
'78 Indy Pace Car. With paint so black and detailed that you swore
you could look into it, rims that blinded you with shine, and a silver
leather interior that was conditioned and pristine, it was the
definition of style. As perfect as this spectacular car appeared to
be, it paled in comparison to the light in my Dads eyes when he was
behind the wheel.
I would have understood, I believe, if he never wanted to share his
dream with anyone, but on the evening of my eighteenth birthday, he
offered to take me for a ride. I felt like a princess as I climbed
into the passenger side and sunk into seat. As he started down the
street and the wind blew through my hair I was sure I would never
again get a present that would ever measure up to that feeling. I was
wrong. Down the street and out of sight of our house, Dad pulled over
and asked me if I wanted to drive. He would explain that it was his
special birthday present from just him.
My first date, my first kiss, and my Prom night couldn't compare to
that drive I took with Dad. He looked so relaxed and happy in the
passenger seat, not a care or worry showing on his face. My heart
racing with excitement, we went on a magical tour.
The town I had grown up in looked different from behind her wheel,
but my dad's smile was the same. When I realized I was greatly
exceeding the speed limit on the freeway and I expected Dad to demand
the keys back, he merely chuckled and said "She's really smooth isn't
she?"
I often look back on that night and wonder if he knew the impact
that show of trust would have on me. Did he know that every ride
after that was as good as the first? Did he know how special he made
me feel by allowing me to share his dream? Did he know that with the
very core of my being, I understood how that car made him feel? Did
he see my eyes light up and wonder if that was what his looked like?
Dad isn't with us anymore, but his dream car remains. The paint
hasn't lost its luster, the rims still shine, and the leather is still
soft. Each time I slide in behind the wheel and feel the wind on my
face, I think back to that summer night and smile, because
Daddy let me drive.
Click here for a special Father's Day Tribute
THE PERFECT DAD
Whether you had the world's second greatest dad (mine is the greatest!) or if your dad wasn't
around, or if you wish your dad hadn't been around, one thing is for certain: your dad wasn't
perfect.
Even now that I'm a dad with three kids myself I can look back at times when I could have been a
better dad. It's humbling sometimes to receive Father's Day cards and greetings knowing that I
hadn't always lived up to being a real good dad. I remember the times I hid behind the newspaper
saying I was busy when my son wanted to play catch. I remember the times that mowing the yard
were more important than coloring with my kids. I remember the times that watching the game on
TV were more important than having a conversation with my daughter and her boyfriend.
The "perfect dad"…no way!
These thoughts bring me back to our heavenly Father, our heavenly Dad. In my times of prayer,
I've never heard Him say He's too busy for me. I've never heard Him say He's too tired.
I've never heard Him tell me I'll never amount to anything. Full of love, grace, and mercy…that's
y Father and say, "Now there's a good Daddy, and I want to be more like Him!"
I pray that this Father's Day we all take the time to honor our dads. Even though we dads are not
perfect, we appreciate your expressions of love and kindness and are grateful for them. And this
Father's Day, let's also remember to honor our heavenly Father and thank Him for being the
loving Father and the perfect Dad He is.
"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!"
I John 3:1
His Abundant Blessings
to You This Father's Day.
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