My Father's Voice

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My Father's Voice

Thursday, August 11, 2011 • Barbara Parentini

There are moments during conversations with Dad when I am undone, when I close my eyes and wonder catches my breath like a birthday surprise. As he struggles with words, we navigate the 800 mile distance, hearts and hands longing to reach out. Time grows ever more precious with each call.

It is the simple things we exchange… pleasantries, the weather, talk of the news, slowly opening up to matters of the heart, and God moving through our lives. Even as words escape him, he always pipes up to pray an eloquent prayer. The Holy Spirit takes over, or I do, when his words fail him.

One night last week, I just wanted to hear his voice. He brings me cheer. I bring him hope-or so he says. It was a bit late, getting close to nine o'clock. Sometimes Mom has gone to bed to rest or read. I prayed they'd be up.

Dad answered the phone, his shy voice weak from lack of use. He sang his greeting in two pitches. "Helloo-ohh. We picked up right where we left off in our usual telephone connection, my heart spilling warm as love lit up the phone lines from North Carolina to Florida.

I apologized for calling too late. He said, "You can call anytime." Silence … "I always love hearing your voice."

Breath stalled in a rush of tears. What? Love to hear my voice? I never knew he felt that way… He never said. I guess his love for me always spoke it. I wanted to lift my hands in joy.

Another conversation closed. "Talk to you soon, Dad. I love you, too. 'Night."

The receiver bumped across the over-sized push buttons, his near-blind eyes searching for the phone cradle.

I've been listening to that voice for decades now. I loved it as a little girl when he called me Barbie; and I love it now when he's taken to calling me Lucky. Dad's voice taught me life's most important lesson... to listen for that still small voice.

Sometimes the most meaningful words are the ones never spoken… until just the right time.

Thank you, Lord, for gifts. For grace.

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.

And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish;

neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.

John 10:27-28 NKJV

What do you hear His voice saying to you?

Visitor Comments (15)

Thanks, Elizabeth

Posted by BPARENTINI • Tuesday, September 6, 2011

I'm encouraged by your kind words, Elizabeth, and happy that we share our hearts here. Please stop by soon.

Blessings, friend,
Barbara

Bless you, Kay

Posted by BPARENTINI • Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Thanks for stopping by today, Kay. You're right, we do have a sweet relationship. Dad's also a great grandpa! I hope people will check out your writing for grandparents--coming soon!

Blessings,
Barbara

Thank you, Karen

Posted by BPARENTINI • Tuesday, September 6, 2011

I appreciate your stopping by, Karen, and leaving your kind thoughts. I encourage readers to check out your website and book, Trading Fathers. I know they will be blessed. I'm so glad we met at The Cove in 2004 at a writers conference. God had a plan for us.

Love,
Barbara

A Good Father

Posted by KARENRABBITT • Monday, September 5, 2011

Your relationship with your Dad is precious. I'm glad for you. So many of us have struggled so much with God as a father because of indifferent or abusive fathers. It's good to read the details of how a good father treats a daughter. Bless you. Karen Rabbitt www.karenrabbitt.com

A lovely post

Posted by KAY • Saturday, September 3, 2011

What a sweet post. You and your dad have a sweet relationship.

Heartspoken

Posted by RIVERWOODWRITER • Friday, September 2, 2011

Oh, Barbara, I'm only just reading this exquisite piece, and it speaks to my heart the way your Father's voice spoke to yours. How fortunate those of us are who have earthly fathers who have modeled for us the love and voice of our heavenly Father!

You Can Call Me Anytime

Posted by SANDRA HESKA KING • Monday, August 22, 2011

I love hearing your voice. What joy we give Him when we call. And what love He pours over us. Beautiful, Barbara.

Blessings and thanks, Jane

Posted by BPARENTINI • Saturday, August 20, 2011

I'm touched by your kind words, Jane. I marvel at the many hats you wear, and the energy required to do what you do. Your mom is surely blessed by your selfless caregiving. May God envelop you in holy moments as you carry out long days.

I'm humbled my words here hold a reminder for you. Keep listening as he whispers in the quiet. God bless you and your mother.

Daddy's voice

Posted by JANESARA • Friday, August 19, 2011

It's my mother who calls me. Since we're in the same town and I'm her support, chauffer, shopper, Power of Attorney, accountant, Medical surrogate, etc., she often vents her frustration with life with dementia at me. It is only in the briefest of moments I get to connect with her like that now.
Your words are tender, and so personal -- thank you for sharing it. In the process, you remind me to listen to My Father's voice.

Many thanks.

Posted by BPARENTINI • Thursday, August 18, 2011

Thank you, Keiki, for sharing your thoughts here. I'm sorry you lost your dad at such a tender age. It is a comfort to know that our Heavenly Father is always with us, loving us, protecting us, and waiting for us. He is faithful.

God bless you and yours,
Barbara"

Voices

Posted by VESSELPROJECT • Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Barbara... voices! Sometimes they catch me unaware as well. Thank you for sharing this moment with us. My daddy died when I was ten years old.

Thank you, Judith

Posted by BPARENTINI • Monday, August 15, 2011

Thank you, Judith, for your kind words about my story, and heartfelt thoughts about your experience. You understood the message here beautifully.

I'm so glad you have a loving husband to share life's journey with you; and you know the faithful, loving presence of our Heavenly Father. Keep listening to that still small voice.

Blessings always,

Barbara

beautiful words, beautiful love

Posted by JUDITH_HEANEY • Sunday, August 14, 2011

You have a wonderful way with words. I love the story that your words and heart weave about your dad. It is beautiful. Lovely. I do not know that kind of connection with my dad; I do not recall hearing him say the words I love you or that he is happy to hear from me. But I am thankful for a heavenly Father who reminds me that he loves me by the Creation with which he surrounds me and through the presence of my husband in this life's journey. Thank you for the reminder to listen for and to that still small voice . . .

Thank you, Donna

Posted by BPARENTINI • Saturday, August 13, 2011

Thanks, Donna, for your beautiful thoughts. I'm delighted you visited. You always bless me with your kind words.

He is Jealous for me..... and you!

Posted by DONNABUICE • Saturday, August 13, 2011

Barbara, such a sweet exchange of love and loving words. And such a sweet reminder to me that our Father loves and anxiously waits to hear our voice. He speaks to me and I know the words by heart. Be still and know that I am God. He reminds me: I CAN. I AM. He says that I am loved. That I'm in the care of Someone Good. That He promises to look after every detail in my life. Because He CAN. I am still. And, then I am reminded. He is jealous for me. And I know. That He loves me. And He waits to hear from me.

My Father's Voice

Visitor Comments (15)

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