Sam Thomas

17 years ago today I said goodbye to my dad. Sam Thomas was a crazy, unconventional, ray of light and life to the world and to my mom and me. Known for his unconventional education methods and people skills, he was a popular figure in the school system in Abilene. After his death in 1991 an elementary school was built and named after him. Their mascot is a "Texan". So, we have all kinds of t-shirts and bumper stickers supporting the Sam Thomas Texans.

Though many people knew my father that way, I knew him as a caring father...who would take time to play hide-and-go-seek with me. He would ride go-carts with me, take me for rides on the tractor, saddle up our horse for me, go swimming with me, and let me drive his truck waaaaaay before I should have been driving. :) My dad never missed an event I was a part of. He and my mom were huge supporters and encouragers. My dad was, and still is, one of my all time favorite people.

For a long time I wondered if the raw-ness of losing him would ever fade. For those who have ever dealt with loss, you know what I mean. Everyone and everything else moves on...but you are left with a gaping hole that cannot be filled. Eventually, through God's grace, I discovered that the memories became sweeter and less painful. I discovered that I could always miss my dad and yet not suffer that raw feeling of immediate grief. Eventually, I got married and had kids. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Father's Day became fun again. And...stories live on. My kids call my dad "Poppie" and know full well all the crazy antics he participated in. He is a legend to them and they often ask about meeting him in Heaven.

Eventually, we had a son and named HIM Sam Thomas. And, seemingly like a sweet gift of grace from God, he has that crazy, funny spirit of my dad. He is definitely Sam Thomas's namesake in many ways! When I see that sparkle in his eye when he begins to make up tall tales, I see that sparkle that made my dad so much fun.

Dad, we love you. We miss you. Thank you for a life well-lived. Thank you for being such a great dad. There are so many, MANY days when I just wish I could call you or sit with you over lunch and laugh or talk heart to heart. It's not the same without you. But...I know, as you reminded me before you died, that God is good and faithful. You've helped me trust Him as my Father. Thank you. You are so loved.