When I started this post - or the idea of this post - I was going to offer X-amount of SBD. I thought I would make it a #contest or #challenge. With a monetary prize. But what right do I have to decide which winner has the most amazing Father figure? We all have memories. Some good, some bad, some happy, some sad.
Let's share with one another a little about those special men in our lives. Husband. Father. Son. Brother. Grandfather. Uncle. Yes, Father's Day is coming up but I don't believe we should be limited to expressing our appreciation and support of Father figures simply because half of the world are doing it! I have two stories to share. One is mind blowing to me and a testimony to the strength of character of the Man I am blessed to call Husband. The other story is a funny one - more like a de'javu funny (you'll understand later) which involves other Men in my life: Dad, Brother, Father-in-law. But first. My husband.
He loves motorbikes. Specifically the KTM. He had one. Briefly. He would love to have another. He talks constantly about the KTM and imagines doing day trips on back roads around our beautiful countryside. But, at this point, the closest he'll ever get to owning a motobike - KTM or otherwise - is the one in the photo. And this is why:
My Husband is amazing! If you get to know him you will be astounded at the odds he has overcome. It never ceases to amaze me how sane my beloved Husband is considering the very rocky road which has brought him to where he is. There are two defining tragedies in my Husband's life which could've broken him. They nearly did. First he "lost" his triplet sons. After their MMR vaccination at 18 months they deteriorated so quickly to soon be labelled autistic. They were happy, walking, talking, affectionate boys who lost all those skills. It took years to train them hand over hand to where they are today. They will never fit in society. The most difficult lives with us and is a constant trial to us. For the rest of their lives these precious boys will be dependent. Subsequently not only are they but also those around them handicapped. The second defining crisis in my husband's life was losing everything. And I mean everything in terms of what the world defines as success. A series of terrible events took away business, home, vehicles and more. My Husband lived barely hand to mouth for a very long time.
And yet today he is the incredible Man he is, partly molded by those tragedies. He is no longer carefree or irresponsible. The fact that he no longer has a KTM is testimony to where his priorities lie. The Hand of the Most High has raised him up and restored what the kanker worm ate. I am now blessed to have a life by his side. A few years ago, my Husband gave me the greatest gift. He had his vascectomy reversed and we now have our precious little miracle baby. His love and sacrifice humbles me. He has left the city and become a farmer. No small feat. Not only has he learnt plumbing, fencing, carpentry, gardening but he is now challenged by failing crops - largely due to the ongoing drought. Every day we are woken by the outbursts of our challenged autistic young man. And yet, my Husband shoulders the burden of the day. We have the responsibility of three of our four parents and I know that my dear Husband sometimes feels the weight of the world on his shoulders. But still he continues with a smile and trust that there is a greater plan. Surely it is his knowledge that our wonderful Heavenly Father sustains him that carries him.
Please share your stories and let us encourage one another. Indeed the Men in our lives deserve tribute!
