Well 35 years ago today I was born in a hospital in the town of Lawton, OK. Born to two young musicians just trying to make it! My Mom was 19 and my Dad was 22 when I was born. Ironically I was 22 years old when I got married and I couldn’t imagine having my crazy boys at that age. God bless em!

I’m humbled by all of the wonderful messages on facebook, twitter, email and text today. Believe it or not I also received a few birthday cards as well. Very rare for 2011. Awesome! However, nothing quite rises above the gift that I received this week from my Dad. I received a photo from my mom, which is the title photo for this post, of her and my dad the day he got out of rehab for alcohol addiction, which was last Saturday. My dad, who is an awesome man, very talented and full of personality, and quite funny, has struggled with this for many many years. He finally had his final low and has said “I’m done with this.” Honestly I never thought I’d have a logical conversation with my dad ever again (read HERE & HERE for more history), but had just come to the conclusion in my life that I needed to love him how I could and talk to him any chance I got, because I didn’t know when it would be the last. Well, this week I was proven wrong. I had the best conversation with him yesterday and he also called me today on my birthday. I look in this picture of him and my mom, and I see PEACE all over his face and deep in his blue eyes. I’m so proud of him and glad that he sees a purpose for living again. No matter how far my brother and I may be in life, we’ll always need to know our mom and dad are on our side and always there to listen when we need them most.

Thanks Mom and Dad for the birthday card and the picture and the life that you’ve both given me! This picture means more to me than you could ever imagine. It’s so much more than a picture. It’s true HOPE that God and someone’s will to change can overcome to darkest of times and the deepest addictions. Love, once again, conquers all!

This post is not intended to embarrass my father, but to honor him. It’s also to encourage those that may be dealing with a similar situation in their family, to not lose hope, no matter how bad it gets. Also love, never give up, and continue to pray for the your loved ones that are hurting and no that they’re hurting for a reason. Life is too short to give up, much like I did with my dad. For this I’m so happy that I’ve been proven wrong, that nothing is too impossible for God.

IS THERE ANYONE IN YOUR LIFE THAT YOU’VE LOST HOPE IN? WHY?

BE SURE AND READ PART 1 & 2 OF THIS POST AS WELL FOR THE BACK STORY!
Hope Never Comes Too Late
Get Out of the Way