A Man and His Legacy: A Father's Day Story
June 17, 2007
Late Thursday morning we received a phone call from my wife's dear friend, Diane Robertson, saying her husband Nick had a stroke and was in St. Charles Medical Center in Bend, Oregon. Would we please come. We were shocked. Nick is a healthy 57 year old hardwood floor contractor in Bend, Oregon with whom I had played golf only three weeks earlier. It was 'no contest'. Nick is a natural athlete, a friendly competitor, a dear brother in Christ, and a joy to be with. But he is more than that. He is also a man of integrity, a loving husband, a terrific father, and grandfather of nine healthy boys and girls. The Witness of a Father
When we arrived at St. Charles Thursday evening, to
see Nick, with Diane nearby, we discovered that Nick
had lost the use of his right arm, hand, and leg, but
not his
ability to speak. I spoke briefly with Nick and prayed
for him, as the reality was setting in, and
difficult to deal with. Nick is right handed, a type "A"
personality as well as a perfectionist, and the best
hardwood floor man in Central Oregon. He was
already
wondering how he would deal with the many jobs that
were lined up and waiting, and how he would provide
for Diane.
On Friday, Nick and Diane's family converged on Room 505, hit hard by the shock of their father, a steady rock for them all, suddenly and unexpectedly laid low. Brian, Robert, and Michael, finished the flooring job, and came to see Nick with their families, a room full of children happy to see grandpa again. The Legacy of a father whose example and steadfast desire to minister into the lives of his sons, daughters, sons-in-law, and their families, was evident then, and throughout the weekend. Brian, Robert and Michael were eager to be the men they know they are called by God to be, rising to mature manhood in a family crisis, as if they had been prepared for such a time as this. And so they were. Yesterday, in Room 505, and in spite of something difficult to understand, it was a Happy Father's Day for Nick Robertson. Nick was surrounded by a strong and faith filled wife, three mature young men, their wives, and nine healthy and grandpa loving grandchildren. And while his Christian nurse marvels at his progress already, what is more marvelous is the legacy of love, wisdom, commitment and maturity of his family. Where shock, sadness, grief, fear of the unknown and the instability of not knowing what lies ahead weighed heavily on Thursday, by Sunday, Father's Day, the long arduous and steadfast example of a loving father shown in the eyes, hearts, and Father's Day Cards of those who received that witness. "You've always been my Hero, and to me you will always be able to 'rope the moon!' I love you Daddy." Sarah "Just want to tell you Happy Fathers Day and I love you. Get better soon please. You have done a lot for me and I thank you. Love, Mike" "I love you!!" Michelle "To a man whose family values say more than words. Dad, You have inspired me over the years through what you said, what you did, AND what you didn't do and didn't say. I am the father I am today because of your example. I hope I can inspire my children as you inspire me. As you begin your recovery this Fathers Day, know I am watching and studying you. As you lead, I will follow and, therefore, you are also inspiring your Granddaughters and their future families." Your son, Brian" "We wish you were able to enjoy this Fathers Day in a different way. I really hope you get better soon. You are so loved." Amy, Robert and family" The witness of a Christian father and mother cannot be denied, dismissed or discounted. They are the essential building blocks upon which healthy, happy, productive, and mature young people are developed. Nick and Diane Robertson are prime examples, and will continue to be, as are those who filled Room 505 on Father's Day, 2007, in Bend, Oregon.
"In the end, the state of the Union comes down to
the character of the people." Alexis De Toqueville -
Early 19th Century French Historian on what made
America a Great Nation
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