Happy Father's Day

Andy Dietz

photo by Shanna Dietz

There is no doubt in the world that I married the man I was supposed to.  I'd begun praying as a 12-year-old for God to prepare me for that man and to prepare him for me.  We met on a blind date!  I loved him the minute I met him and knew I would marry him.  Later, he told me he knew immediately, too.

I fell more in love with him when we had babies.  I already knew he loved kids--he loved being around his nephews at the time.  So I knew Andy would be a good daddy.  And he was.  My mom told me all the time what a great daddy he was.  And she let me know most men would never let me get away with all the things I did---like leave him with the kids for a week (even though I arranged daytime babysitting and cooked and froze meals!).  I knew I had a good deal.

And I love him more now than then.  He is in love with his 10 grandkids...and has room in his heart for more!  (Hint, hint, kids!)  If my life were to end tonight, I know how blessed I've been.  I am so glad I waited on God's best for me.  Happy Father's Day, Andy Dietz!  You are the BEST!

I thought Matt's note to Andy on Facebook was a beautiful tribute.  I wanted to share it:

Dad,

Happy Father's Day. Thank you for loving me unconditionally. Thank you for taking me to San Antonio when you recorded the last Dietz Brothers album. I gained your passion for music on that trip. Thank you for renting scooters in Red River and taking the difficult road to Goose Lake. You showed me adventure and that risk leads to reward. Thank you for always taking others in to our home and loving them like you loved me. You showed me not to be self-centered, but love selflessly. Thank you for your endless friendships growing up, like the Griffins, the Coffmans, the Forrests, the Chavez, the Hattons and so many others who not only went to church, but lived passionately for Jesus. You showed me that iron sharpens iron and that passion must be stirred up to remain alive. The most important life-lesson you taught me was at the age of ten, when you pulled me aside in the church hall after someone else had scolded me for running and they told me I needed to make a good impression for my father. You sought me out and simply told me then, "I make my own reputation, and you will never affect it by what you do. You will make your reputation by who you are. Don't worry about how it will hurt me, because it can't." In that moment, you gave me identity, freedom and permission. I love you for it all.