As long as Daddy is here

I am proud to be your Son

As long as Daddy is here everything will be fine…These were the words I kept on telling myself when the tragedy of Judah’s death struck us. I knew that something inside of me had changed forever even if I did not know what that meant at the time, but I knew that I was not going to be able to face this on my own… However, I manned up and did what had to be done.

That evening (when things came tumbling down) I phoned my Daddy. I will never forget what he said. He said, “My boy, I am so sorry, Daddy knows this is a tough thing to face… Daddy is here for you. We are on our way”. At that very moment I knew I would be OK. I phoned Daddy again at 03:00 in the morning when my heart felt like it had shrivelled up and died, when the pain was so overwhelming that it was all I could see and feel. Again Daddy woke up answered the phone and said, “Hello boy”. All I could do was cry. Daddy listened and then very lovingly and full of compassion responded, “the Lord is with you, He is our Strength right now. Just lean on Him, even if you do not understand everything right now, I am on my way. We will be there on Wednesday.”

That is my Dad, Joseph (Jerry) Pedro. Man of Faith! Man of Courage! Man of Strength! Man of Compassion! Always there for his children, no matter what!

I remember growing up, how Daddy would always seem to “bounce back” from every challenge he had in life. Daddy’s resilience is absolutely remarkable. When all the odds were stacked against him he would push back and overcome. The most important lessons I learned from your life, Daddy, was to own up to the decisions we make and to love unconditionally.

My prayer is that I can be at least half the man that you are. You taught me to stand my ground and reach for my goals. You showed me how to be a loving father, husband and friend.  To protect and shield the ones I love.

I honour you Daddy! You are The Best Daddy I could ever ask for! Thank you for all you mean to me. I love you lots!