(Yesterday’s story: From the time I was young, I dreamed about my biological dad Sam and felt a lot of anger toward my adoptive dad Ron, who married my mom when I was 22 months old. After I married and our baby Josh was born, my dad Ron had a dream that my dad Sam had died. It shocked me into trying to find him. I located him in a California prison, and we wrote for three months until he got out of prison and came to visit.)
The visit
When he got off the plane, we were both crying. He came on a Wednesday and left the next Monday morning. We talked constantly. He had become a Christian in prison, and he kept saying, “Now God can take me because my life is complete. I’ve seen you and I’ve seen my grandson.’’
Plans to meet again
We decided that my husband and I would drive to California to meet the five children from his third marriage on Memorial Day weekend. When I took him to the airport Monday morning, I didn’t know why I felt so depressed. I thought I’d see him in six weeks.
That next Saturday morning, his mother phoned. My dad Sam had died the night before of an embolism. My mom was out of town, so I called my sister Shauna, and she called my dad Ron.
He phoned me sobbing. He kept saying, “I’m so sorry.’’ That was when the truth finally dawned: “He really does love me.’’
Healing in grief
For a year I’d been praying that God would take away the anger that I had toward my dad Ron. Somehow, at that moment, it happened. The hurts and pains I had had inside, and my interpretations of the way things had happened with my dad Ron, all just disappeared.
When my dad Sam died, all that died with him. I realized God had given my dad Ron and me to each other, and it’s been different between us ever since.
Arranging the funeral, meeting half siblings
I had to take care of most of the funeral arrangements in California because my dad Sam was no longer married to his third wife, and I was the oldest child.
It was hard meeting my five little brothers and sisters, ages three to twelve. They were raised differently from me. They grew up in a home where their mom did drugs and had other men living with her after my dad Sam went to prison.
Reliving a dream
At the grave site ceremony, with Josh in my arms and the little kids jumping around, I began to feel a sense of deja vu. Suddenly I realized I was reliving a dream I’d had when I was little. In the dream there were rolling green hills in the background just like these. I was holding a baby, and dark headed kids were jumping around me.
I felt great love from God that day. He spared my dad Sam’s life for a few months so that I was able to see him, and He healed my relationship with my dad Ron. I sensed how much my Heavenly Father cared about me and all of us. I saw that God wants families to be restored.
What the Bible says
“While they are still talking to me about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers’’ (Isaiah 65:24 NLT).
Today’s prayer
Dear God, thank You for Your constant care and faithfulness. Amen.
Resource
This story is published by permission from My Roots Go Back to Loving and other stories from Year of the Family, which can be purchased from the Bookstore
Reflections for Parents in April, Week Two: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
4/12/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Helping Kids with Math: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
4/5/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Reflections for Parents in April, Week One: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
4/1/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Trouble -- the doorway to God's Kingdom: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
3/25/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Honey Tree: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
3/23/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Watching for the Positives: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
3/21/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Give Your Children Sticky Minds: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
3/15/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
The Law of Kindness: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
3/12/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Laura Jane Cerling
Eyes in the Lookout: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
3/10/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Glen A Hinshaw
Focusing on the good stuff: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
3/5/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Joe Herman
The Grumble Family: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
3/3/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Anonymous
Being a Better Parent...One Week at a Time...in March
2/28/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Henry O. Flipper: a black history month story from the Story Powerline
2/24/2021 3:33:00 PM by: Randy Limbird
Preparing to Raise Teens: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
2/18/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Neighbor Love: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
2/17/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
No Matter What, I Love You Every Day: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
2/14/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers and Robert G Cerling
Mental Maps: a faith based story on love from the Story Powerline
2/10/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Putting Myself in the Love Chapter: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
2/8/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Erik Powers
Reading to Babies: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
2/5/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Being a Better Parent....One Week at a Time...in February 2021
2/1/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Resolving the Past: a faith-based story from the Story Powerline
1/22/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Sharon Withers as told to Becky Cerling Powers
God Sets the Lonely in Families: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
1/21/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Sharon Withers as told to Becky Cerling Powers
Keep Trying: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
1/13/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Laura Jane Cerling
Hooray for Mother Goose! Parenting Insights from the Parent Powerline
1/5/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Being a Better Parent....One Week at a Time...in January 2021
1/2/2021 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Working With -- Not Against -- Life Seasons: parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
12/28/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Why Play With the Kids? parenting insights from the Parent Powerline
12/21/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Breaking Barriers with Kindness: a faith based Christmas story from the Story Powerline
12/10/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Laura Jane Cerling
Shoe Shine Boy: a faith based Christmas story from the Story Powerline
12/4/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Ruben Fierro as told to Maria Luisa Navarro
Slow Down for Christmas: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
12/1/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Ruth & Boaz, Part 2: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
11/12/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Maria Luisa Navarro
Ruth & Boaz, Part 1: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
11/9/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Maria Luisa Navarro
Enemies No More, Part 2: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
10/30/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Enemies No More, Part 1: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
10/28/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Double Minded Doggie: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
10/22/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
The Father's Blessing: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
10/13/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Dad's Green Packard: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
10/10/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Paula Kortkamp Combs
Hill of Woman's Fidelity: a faith based Beatitudes story from the Story Powerline
10/1/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Retold by Becky Cerling Powers
In Praise of Naps: tips from the Parent Powerline
9/28/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Music Enriches the Family: tips from the Parent Powerline
9/10/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Pre-School at Home During Covid-19: tips from the Parent Powerline
8/21/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Parenting in the Mess: Tips from the Parent Powerline
8/16/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
The Way We Homeschooled, Part 1 Balance: from the Parent Powerline
8/4/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Grandpa Thure Cerling, Part 1: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
8/4/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Grandpa Thure Cerling, Part 2: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
8/4/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Temptation: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
7/23/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Glen A. Hinshaw
TALK: A Simple Way to Help Kids with School: tips from the Parent Powerline
7/21/2020 9:00:00 PM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Honest Abe Lincoln: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
7/14/2020 11:00:00 PM by: Randy Limbird
The Most Conscientious Hunter I Ever Met: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
6/24/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Glen A. Hinshaw
Washing Feet: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
6/17/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers and Lee Merrill Byrd
No Parking: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
6/10/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Ruby Bridges, part 2: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
6/3/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Ruby Bridges, part 1: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
6/2/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Raising Fluent Readers: tips from the Parent Powerline
5/29/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Unwanted Baby: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
5/26/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Eileen as told to Becky Cerling Powers
Family Funnies: Tips from the Parent Powerline
5/22/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Joey's Letters: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
5/21/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Lee Merrill Byrd
Alzheimer Valley: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
5/13/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Paula Kortkamp Combs
New Bride Confusion: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
5/12/2020 4:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Amaris Luz, Light from Darkness: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
4/28/2020 6:00:00 AM by: Lee Merrill Byrd
Losing Poetry: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
4/22/2020 6:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Let Kids Cure Their Own Boredom: Tips from the Parent Powerline
4/15/2020 6:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Naaman, Rich in Money and Presumption: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
4/14/2020 6:00:00 AM by: Paula Kortkamp Combs and Becky Cerling Powers
David, Bathsheba & Psalm 51: a faith based story story from the Story Powerline
4/9/2020 6:00:00 AM by: Paula Kortkamp Combs
The Hundred Chart: math lesson tips from the Parent Powerline
4/8/2020 6:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
The Beer Would Call Me: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
4/7/2020 6:00:00 AM by: Beatriz Balcort as told to Becky Cerling Powers
Turned Around: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
4/2/2020 6:00:00 AM by: Brian Bolton with Becky Cerling Powers
Toddlers Helping During COVID-19 and Beyond: tips from the Parent Powerline
4/1/2020 6:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Elijah & the Captain of 50 Men: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
3/31/2020 6:00:00 AM by: Retold by Becky Cerling Powers
Fear in Residence: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
3/24/2020 10:00:00 PM by: Paula Kortkamp Combs
Household Management During COVID-19 Time: tips from the Parent Powerline
3/23/2020 10:00:00 PM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Dreaming of Anita Jo: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
3/12/2020 6:00:00 AM by: Paula Kortkamp Combs
No Complaint Dinners: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
3/10/2020 6:00:00 AM by: Laura Jane Cerling
DIY Plumbing: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
3/5/2020 6:00:00 AM by: Jennifer Cummings
A Brother's Love: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
3/3/2020 7:00:00 AM by: Retold by Becky Cerling Powers
My Two Dads, part three: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
2/27/2020 6:00:00 AM by: Janimarie Rowe as told to Becky Cerling Powers
My Two Dads, part two: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
2/26/2020 6:00:00 AM by: Janimarie Rowe as told to Becky Cerling Powers
My Two Dads, part one: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
2/25/2020 7:00:00 AM by: Janimarie Rowe as told to Becky Cerling Powers
Grandma's Apron: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
2/20/2020 12:45:00 PM by: Jennifer Cummings
Colors of the Beetle: a retold faith based story from the Story Powerline
2/13/2020 12:00:00 PM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Cantaloupe Crop Disaster: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
2/5/2020 6:00:00 AM by: Glen Hinshaw
Afraid to Sleep at Night (Psalm 91): a faith based story from the Story Powerline
1/22/2020 6:00:00 AM by: Paula Kortkamp Combs
How the Camel Got His Hump: a retold faith based story
1/13/2020 10:00:00 PM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Growing Up With Polio: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
1/9/2020 10:01:00 PM by: Laura Jane Cerling
All Things Bright and Beautiful: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
1/7/2020 6:20:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers, poem by Cecil Frances Alexander
One Dollar for a Donut: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
1/1/2020 6:00:00 PM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Star of Wonder
12/26/2019 6:00:00 AM by: Paula Kortkamp Combs
The Shepherds
12/24/2019 6:00:00 AM by: Paula Kortkamp Combs
Mary and the Angel
12/18/2019 6:00:00 AM by: Paula Kortkamp Combs
Zechariah
12/17/2019 6:00:00 AM by: Paula Kortkamp Combs
Christmas Cookies: a a faith based story from the Story Powerline
12/10/2019 6:00:00 AM by: Laura Jane Cerling
First Thanksgiving, Part 2: Beginning in Weakness (a faith based story)
11/28/2019 6:00:00 AM by: Rami Scully
First Thanksgiving, Part 3: Gifts & Gratitude (a faith based story from the Story Powerline)
11/28/2019 6:00:00 AM by: Rami Scully
First Thanksgiving, Part 1: Enduring the Sea Voyage (a faith based story)
11/27/2019 6:00:00 AM by: Rami Scully
Rescuing my Family in Wartime, Part 3: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
11/22/2019 6:00:00 AM by: Néaouguen Nodjimbadem as told to Becky Cerling Powers
Rescuing my Family in Wartime, Part 2: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
11/19/2019 6:00:00 AM by: Néaouguen Nodjimbadem
Rescuing my Family in Wartime, Part 1: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
11/12/2019 6:00:00 AM by: Nodji (Néaouguen Nodjimbadem) as told to Becky Cerling Powers
Preventing Parent Burnout: from the Parent Powerline
11/4/2019 5:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Grandma Time: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
11/1/2019 6:00:00 AM by: Jennifer Cummings
Safe Amid Snakes and Semi-Trucks: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
10/30/2019 3:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
The Love & Diaper (Nappy) Connection
10/25/2019 6:30:00 PM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Avon Perfume Surprise: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
10/22/2019 7:00:00 AM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Saving Butterscotch: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
10/16/2019 6:00:00 AM by: Karen M. Pickett Ward
The Patient in Room 116: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
10/8/2019 9:10:00 AM by: Paula Kortkamp Combs
Belshazzar: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
10/2/2019 6:45:00 AM by: Retold by Paula Kortkamp Combs
My Mysterious Relative & the Missing Paycheck: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
9/26/2019 3:17:00 PM by: Becky Cerling Powers
Keeping in Touch with Cousins: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
9/24/2019 3:20:00 PM by: Paula Kortkamp Combs
How the Ostrich Got His Long Neck: a faith based retold story from the Story Powerline
9/9/2019 3:49:00 PM by: Retold by Becky Cerling Powers
When Life Goes Up in Smoke: a faith based story from the Story Powerline
8/20/2019 3:28:00 PM by: Glen A. Hinshaw
