On this Fathers’ Day I pay
tribute to some special fathers.
- To my own Father, William B. Haken, who shaped my life in amazing ways. He taught me so much about living unselfishly and working hard. He loved God, Mother, family and others. He took care of many others often going above and beyond to be available to those in need. His counsel was wise and his teaching inspired. He lived out the words of Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, do it heartily as to the Lord and not unto men.” God took him early, age 68, and I still miss him.
- To my Father-in-law, Clyde Cowles, without whom I would not have my wonderful husband of (almost) 44 years. God took him at the age of 56 so we did not have much time together, but I am eternally grateful to him and still very much in love with his son, Peter.
- To my husband, Pete. You swept me off my feet and took me on a world of adventure – to live in Chicago, Tennessee, Nigeria, Kenya, PA and Kansas – and to travels in Switzerland, Germany, Austria and coast to coast in the United States. You taught our children so much about life and hard work. You led our family with faithfulness, steadfastness and firm resolve. You stayed true to your values and instilled them in your children. I could have no better father for our children.
- And a special tribute to Peter, Tim and Markus, the fathers of our seven grandchildren. You are showing your children what it means to be loving fathers and faithful husbands, men of integrity who work hard and are loyal to God and to your family. One day your sons will be honorable young men and your daughters will know what to look for in a man because of your examples. I am so proud of each of you and grateful that we are family.
So Happy Fathers’ Day to each of
these special men! I am so grateful that God put
you into my life and into my heart. You are loved.
