“You know I could of played for Wales” my dad tells me, I’m not sure how true that is but there is no doubt my dad is a proud Welshman. His roots certainly run deep into the valleys of Wales and the game he loved to play, you guessed it, rugby. Unfortunately, a back problem cut his dream short and has had to put up with it for the rest of his life. I don’t think he regrets playing though and still loves to cheer on the mighty welsh. Despite not being able to play anymore he was able to focus on becoming the great father I know him to be.
I never take for granted what my dad has done for me and it saddens me to hear of the stories of young people growing up without a father figure. I believe that this is something desperately needed by every young boy and believe my dad has certainly helped shape me into the person I am today. He was always someone who would give me the advice I needed to hear or the encouraging word to keep persevering and staying strong when times got tough or doubts crept into my mind. One of my most vivid memories is when I was younger I was playing in the park, fell over and cut my knee. I cried out in agony, even though it probably wasn’t that bad but I was young and wanted the attention. I remember seeing my dad running as fast as he could to see if I was ok and picked me up, took me home and made sure I was ok. That set the bar for what my dad was like for the rest of my childhood, whenever I had a problem he would put other things to the side for me.
My dad was all I could ever ask for, a friend, a mentor and most importantly a loving father. The reality of this world has opened my eyes to the fact not every young boy had the father they needed in their life. I love how God is described as a father and the amazing statement he said to Jesus when he got baptised ‘And a voice came from heaven: ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.’ Mark 1:11. We think of God in many different ways but never forget God as a father who loves you and will run towards you when you call out for him. 