Their Father's Name

“What’s their Father’s name?”
I never knew what their Father’s name was, I was focused on my friend. I knew you would ask the question and despite my annoyance there was a certain amount of peace that came in knowing you were stepping in.
None of my friends had Dad’s like mine.  Most of them had a healthy fear of you – which I liked and didn’t let on that really behind the stern look and growly voice there was always a twinkle in the eyes we share.  They never got close enough to see and I liked that too.
Their Father’s name didn’t carry the honor and respect mine did and it wasn’t so much for his name but Our Father’s name that he carried in his heart and in the cross around his neck and in his cool red change purse.
Their Father’s didn’t laugh like mine or dance and jingle like mine either.  I didn’t hear any stories from their Dad’s that were timeless and true.  Fathers mean family and mine is big and gentle, fiercely loving, and my constant quiet strength.
None else had a Dad that were taller than our doors and loved to play on the floor.  I have a love of driving and hunting and fishing and big red trucks with just one seat for six.  My seat was the best even though it was near ‘the pits’ because it was warm, safe and smelled good even after cutting wood and catching salamanders all afternoon.
I have grown and I married a man, after I knew ‘his Father’s name’ so you would know it too.  The Father’s name that was most important – he shares with you.  He is a good Dad and asks our kids often the same questions you asked of me.  Our Father has taught us well and we continue to learn more about Him as we watch you walk.
I love to sing and songs mean the world to me.  Short little jingles, favorite hymns, Psalms and nursery rhymes.  “I love to tell the story.” “Amazing Grace” “Gum on your bed post”.  “Girls brush your pearls”  “Little house on the prairie”  Thank you for all the songs you put in my heart and encouraging me to sing.
“What’s my Father’s Name?”  Family.  Respect. Peace. Comfort.  Quiet. Provider. Truth.  Dad.
David Warren Hotchkiss – I share him because he is good enough too