101 Kisses

When I was in the 3rd or 4th grade, we lived in Mansfield, LA. Dad was the pastor at First Assembly of God. Daddy and I were the only people at the church one day. We were on the platform and dad was doing something at the pulpit. I was standing behind him and while he was working, I was singing and dancing quietly behind him. During my song, I said the words, "And my daddy gave me 100 kisses." As soon as I said that phrase, Daddy turned around, pounced on me and tackled me to the ground! He started kissing me and tickling me, all the while, counting each and every kiss. He didn't stop at 100, though as my song indicated. He gave me 101 kisses.

What did I walk away from that platform with (besides beard burn)? I learned that even when my dad's attention and focus were on work and grown up things, his heart was still listening to mine. He showed me that I am important and that he loved me. He made me feel loved! I know that my dad is up in Heaven right now...and his heart is still listening to mine. I love you, Daddy!
Aimee