She remembered what her Daddy taught her.......

One of my favorite childhood memories is watching my mother interact with her dad.  She called him “Daddy” in such a way that would make the strongest man melt to his knees.  Even as she aged she called him Daddy, and he answered so lovingly.  I see that same bond forming with my girls and their dad, and it makes my heart smile.  

I was born in Los Angeles, California.  My mother moved to the west coast in the late 60s and I came about 8 years later.  When I was six months old the car my mother was driving lost control and collided with oncoming car.  I was ejected from the vehicle and tore multiple ligaments in my legs.  My mother sued the automaker and after multiple continuances and trial date changes, the case was finally gone before a jury four and half years later.  Right before jury deliberations, the defendants came back with a settlement offer.   My mother’s lawyer advised her to reject the offer.   Six hours later the jury came back in favor of the car manufacturer.  Not liable. 

My mother was distraught.  She thought she was going to win her case.  She had plans with that settlement.  Perhaps, start a college fund for me, or pays off her bills, or take a vacation.   The money was spent in her head.  Often times we all make plans in haste before actually having exact facts.  Now, this blog really isn't about my mother’s reaction but the advice her daddy gave her when she made that defeated call back home to tell her parents she had lost the case. 

My grandmother and mom were on the phone for hours, probably replaying the events of the trial, both having an opinion of what transpired.  My mother probably felt she should have taken the settlement offer, because hindsight is always 20/20.   But, when my granddaddy got on the phone, he said, “Patsy, don’t count on anything, until it’s in your hand.  Here is your mother.”   13 words.   One small sentence.  My mother remembered that for the next 30 years.  In fact, that was the only thing she remembered of that phone call that day.  It was the advice that her Daddy gave, that she passed down to me, and that I shared with my family and friends.   As I told the story the other day to my husband Michael, I was reminded how my grandfather truly was meek and lowly, yet full of wisdom and strength.  I wish I could have seen then what I see now in my memories of him.  A lot of his traits came from Jesus.  My grandfather was a just man.   He was a good man.  I am sure he had flaws, for we all do.  But, if there was any one that tried  to always do good works, it was Raymond.    

Jesus loves us.  He loves everything about it.  He wants us to look at Him like we look and admire and respect the fathers in our lives.   God wants to be our counsel in every aspect of our lives.   The same advice that my mother kept close to her heart for years to come from her earthly father, He wants to give us daily.  

Having faith that God truly has our best interest at heart should always be in our minds.  He isn't going to take us down the wrong path.   The bible has plenty of promises of just the opposite.   He comforts us, loves us, restores us, molds us, and protects us.  

It is my hope that some of the advice I learn through walking and talking with Jesus; I can pass on to my children and they can share a story 30 years from now.  It is my hope that they feel inspired like I do now.