Celebration 34 Larry Plug Passmore

Celebration 34
My dad-Larry Plug Passmore

This blog is a hard one for me.  I have prayed over our relationship numerous times and I know that I am loved, even when the little girl inside tells me differently.

Growing up, my parents didn't speak kind to each other.  My dad had a quick temper and my mom's demeaning comments and ongoing complaints didn't help keep the peace in our home.  I spent a good amount of my time in my room yelling insults into my pillow.  I tried to avoid the conversations between them and promised myself that I would never speak to or about my spouse in that manner.

I have tried my hardest to NEVER communicate my disappointments, concerns, or frustrations with Michael the way I was raised.  I know I have failed!  Michael probably doesn't even know the battle I have deep within myself to control my tongue when I'm faced with these emotions and memories.

Please don't think this is a bashing of my upbringing, it's actually the true picture of Grace.  I could have held a grudge, I could have distanced myself, I could have chosen hate, I could tally the marks of hurtful words, but INSTEAD I realized he did his best.  All that time, I was selfish, only thinking about how it affected me!  I never thought about how my dad lost his own father at an early age, I never thought about how my dad work long hot hours at Carpenter's Body Works trying to provide for his family and the constant worry of being laid off yet again, I never thought about him being the youngest of several children who literally grew up with nothing, I never once thought about HIM!

God intervened, God changed my thoughts and feelings, God restored my faith in having a good relationship with my dad.  God's grace allowed me to extend grace to my dad.  I can still remember the first time I had a conversation with my dad that I actually enjoyed.  I hung up the phone and cried tears of joy,  It was life changing.

After thinking about my dad, I realized he is the reason I've always enjoyed writing my thoughts.  I can still see his notebook with his very own handwritten thoughts and ideas.  In his younger days, he even wrote poetry.  I always admired that about him.  He also taught me about hard work, to be honest, to be organized and tidy, and that cigarettes can help calm you down when your pissed :)

Most of all, he taught me to be determined and hard-headed.  In his honor, I'm continuing this Whole30 journey even when I want to quit the damn thing and smoke a cigarette.  Did I mention I'm Plug's daughter :)

Celebration 33 William Skip Mathews

Celebration 33
My father-n-love Skip Mathews.

Oh the good ole Skipper.  Anyone who knows him would tell you he's a good man.  There are so many things he has taught me while being in the family and I'm sure I will continue to learn from his example until the day I take my last breath.  I've only heard of stories about his father the "original Grand-Dad" and everyone talks about the goodness he did for his family and community.....I can only imagine that the apple didn't fall far from the tree.  My kids adore him, my husband respects his wisdom and advice, and I appreciate his kindness and wiliness to give a helping hand in ALL situations. 

Skip has rescued us from the side of road when our vehicles decided they no longer wanted to get from point A to point B.  He has chaperoned several field trips and attended class parties.  He has fixed leaking pipes, rewired new fixtures, bought new tires, and many more countless things that help my family along this journey we call life.

Many years ago, for some holiday I wrote in his card that he was a "man of action".   This is the best way I can describe him.  Not only am I speaking of him physically being there after a quick phone call to ask him a question about our latest dilemma, but a man of action for God's kingdom.  He truly embraces the commandment "Love God, Love Others". 

Years ago, when I was going through counseling I remember when I was writing information about myself the counselor asked me what the hardest question was to answer.......and I replied when I had to write down what I weighed.  It was 140 lbs.  Now, that is my GOAL WEIGHT!!  I have let myself go, I have became lazy, I have fed my disappointments with junk food, I have rewarded myself with 42oz Vanilla Cokes, and I have avoided social events because of embarrassment.  In fact, one of the reason I quit blogging and doing my celebrations is because I didn't want to put in the hard work and dedication. 

In Skip's honor, I've decided to FINALLY become a woman of action.  At the beginning of the year I started the journey of Whole30.  I'm currently on day 14.  It's been tough.  It's going to be a lifestyle that I CHOOSE to continue.  Along the way, I hope to become healthy and instill in my children the importance of being in action not only physically, but most importantly spiritually just like their Grand-Dad.