Nashville, Tennessee, June 16, 2013, 4:20 p.m., D.S.T.~

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there!!  I know I am having a wonderful one myself; can't really say just how blessed I am, but I am exactly that.  Blessed.  Very much so!

I have a wife, Sarah, who loves me, even in spite of all that I have put her through, in regards to my own physical health.  I have eight beautiful, healthy children whom I absolutely adore with all my heart and soul.  I have renewed health, thanks to my kidney transplant (three years now and going strong!) with promise of a good, and hopefully, long life.  I have a wonderful church family whom I consider my brothers and sisters in Christ.  I have a successful career as a anesthiologist at a rather large hospital here in town, so I don't have to worry about not being able to provide for my family.

I have all of this in spite of being born a paraplegic due to spina bifida.  

There have been numerous occasions where I could have thrown myself a pity party or flat out give up, but I was taught from the get-go to appreciate what God has given me and to make the best out of a very bad situation.  It hasn't always been easy, but due to God's sovereign grace and mercy, I have made it and continue to do so to this very day.

Church this morning was awesome.  Pastor Bilkey preached about "die to 'I' " and giving all you have to God.  It was a powerful, compelling message, and Pastor Bilkey also talked to the dads of the church about being the father figure that God wants you to be.  He challenged us and told us to write down ways to improve the family dynamics and to put God first.  It wsa a packed house.

After church let out, they had a "dinner-on-the-grounds", where several ladies of the church (including my dear, beloved Sarah) cooked and brought food, including yams, mashed or scalloped potatoes, fried chicken, barbecued spare ribs, baked beans, tamales, enchiladas, burritos, Cajun smoked andouille sausage, crawfish etouffee', hot dogs, hamburgers, salads of all kinds, bean casserole, cheese casserole, quiche Lorraine, and for dessert, choice of pies (apple, cherry, strawberry-rhubarb), and ice cream.  I'm STILL stuffed.  I ate like a PIG!! LOL

After the picnic, we came home; the kids have been in the pool just about all afternoon, swimming their little hearts out and shrieking with joy.  Sarah has been keeping a good, close eye on them, and as for me, I have been camped out on the chaise lounge, soaking up the rays and trying to rest my full stomach.  This morning, before church, the family gave me cards that they made themselves (the kids), and Sarah gave me a very mushy card that she found at the Hallmark store and gave me some of my favorite cologne (Old Spice) and a gift certificate to one of my very favorite eatin' establishments (Cracker Barrel).  It was a wonderful, happy, relaxing day.

Well, I am going to go.  The kids want me to join them; it's been about two hours since we came home.  Who am I to turn down their invitation??  

Take care and God bless you as much as He's blessed me over the years!  I truly am a very lucky, lucky man!!

~Wayne.  :)