Joni’s Personal Father’s Day Reflection
Remembering Daddy…
It’s been many years since Daddy passed away, but I miss him still. John King Eareckson always seemed so strong and capable to me. He was my hero, and I was his pal. Around our relatives, he was often called “Big Johnny” and I was “Little Joni.” He loved working with his hands, building stone walls and our family farmhouse.
Daddy was an accomplished wrestler, too… he served as an alternate on the U.S. wrestling team in the 1932 Olympics. Even after arthritis made it necessary for him to use a pair of Canadian crutches, my dear father still led our family with strength and character.
I remember one evening, when I was sitting in the old farmhouse with my sister, we heard a squeal of tires and a short while later, we saw the light of leaping flames. A vandal had set our barn on fire! In the light of the next morning, my father slowly sifted through the ruins of his workshop, nudging the charred remains with one crutch, looking for anything worth saving.
Trusting and Rebuilding
Oh how Daddy loved his barn. He used it as his workshop and art studio, and it was also where he kept his collection of antique tools, some passed along to him from his father. It was a special place for him. And it broke my heart to see him shuffling amidst the ruins.
But my Daddy never complained; instead, he immediately set to work rebuilding the barn. Within two months, a beautiful new barn stood on our property—an incredible testimony to his steadfast spirit and persevering faith.
Amazingly, two years later, he had to endure the destruction of his barn all over again. We’re not sure of the cause, but our rebuilt barn caught fire and burned to the ground. And once again, Dad did not complain. He trusted that God knew what He was doing.
An Inspiring Example
My amazing father was such an example to me and my sisters. I am so thankful for all the life lessons I learned from him. And I cannot wait to see him again in heaven!
This Father’s Day, won’t you join me in thanking God for the men who have modeled integrity and godly character for you? And if they’re still on this side of eternity, be sure to thank them directly through a card, call, text, or visit.
-Joni Eareckson Tada
My Father, the Master Craftsman
See the portrait I rendered of Daddy, whose craftsmanship and love always pointed me to my heavenly Father!
