I have heard stories throughout the years about the importance of a father upon a girl's life. Experts will tell you that a woman's self esteem is greatly affected by how she sees herself through her father's eyes. I was so blessed to have a father who loved me unconditionally and who thought I was beautiful all the time. There was never a time when my brothers and I did not feel my parents love and that has guided our paths throughout our lives.
My father, Estel Shoemaker (known as "J" to family and friends) was the epitomy a Christian man and he practiced what he preached. When my father wasn't working, he was home with us. We were lucky enough to live in the days when mom was able to be home with us during the day and dad came home right on time every night. We sat down to family dinners each night together and exchanged all the news of the day. Times were not always easy, but Dad never liked to accept help from anyone. He had a strong work ethic and he passed that on to his children.
I have now had 17 Father's Days without my dad and it doesn't get any easier. I joyfully remember all the years when we would take him out to dinner as a family after church and I miss those times dearly. I am so grateful for memory of my daddy and for all the things that he taught me, but most of all, I thank God that I was the daughter of such a wonderful man.
