Although I never got to meet Scott’s dad, a part of me feels like I knew him just from listening to Scott speak so vividly about him. I’m amazed at the tiniest details that Scott can recall from his childhood, especially those memories that involve his dad. Story upon story can fill his mouth in an instant.
The admiration and respect Scott has for his dad is obvious. You can see it when gazing at him intently as he’s reliving some of the precious moments spent with his father. I don’t know if it’s the melody of Scott’s voice or the sweetness in his eyes, but one thing is for sure: Scott loved his dad immensely.
One of the many admirable attributes of Mr. Dudley was his work ethic. According to Scott, he cherished his job and did it well. Providing for his family was not an option. Sick days weren’t used unless absolutely necessary---which Scott claims was defined as can’t-get-out-of-the-bed kind of sickness. I’ll never forget the story of Scott calling his dad from school sick with a fever. “He met me in the school office, felt my forehead, gave me a pat on the rear, and told me to head back to class…I’d be just fine.”
To this day, I can hardly get Scott to stay home from work when he’s sick. (And, secretly, it’s really attractive.)
I could go on and on. Mr. Dudley was a friend to many. He adored his wife and boys. He instilled invaluable lessons into Scott that I am beyond grateful for. My heart swells with thankfulness that my husband got to learn from a man who not only taught with his words, but, more importantly, taught with his deeds.
Today, the 17th of November, would have been Mr. Dudley’s 62nd birthday. He passed away two and a half years ago from a tragic disease called ALS (many of us know it as Lou Gehrig’s Disease). Thinking about Mr. Dudley, Scott, and life in general has left me pondering the fragility of life---how fleeting and short it really is. Verse 4 of Psalm 39 has replayed over and over in my mind this morning:
“O Lord, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am! Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath.”
The brevity of life is something I so often take for granted. And remembering that God---the holy, glorious, infinite God---could accomplish His will without mankind is a humbling thought, as well. He didn’t have to grant life on earth (as short as it may be) as His means of glorifying Himself. Yet He has chosen to give me and you this “measure of days” filled with breaths of blessings and sweetness. What I don’t deserve, He showers freely and abundantly. What a blessed thought.
Happy Birthday to a man that I am proud to call my father-in-law. May we all have thoughts of thankfulness for the rich mercy that, for those who cast themselves on Christ, sustains our every moment of every day...and into eternity.
6 comments:
Em - What a sweet and courageous daddy Mr. Dudley seems to have been. It is so amazing to have people like this in our lives that invest in us and leave an imprint on us - a legacy for us. It makes me think of Psalm 90:12 "Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." I know that this should be my prayer every day.. every moment.. to be one who glorifies the King. Love you!
I am moved to tears. How precious. And how good and true and precious is your reminder that life is a gift. A sweet gift. And what I, too, don't deserve, He does indeed shower freely. Happy Birthday to your father-in-law! Praise God for such a godly example and for the precious heritage God has given you!
Precious post Emily. What a HUGE blessing to have had such a great man love and raise your husband.
That is so sweet and what a great reminder that the wonderful (or bad) ways in which we parent will effect our children. In Scott's case--what a blessing to learn from a man like that!
great post, em.
Hi Emily, I'm really not a blog-stalker but was reading Maurice's post and saw the name Dudley to the side and clicked on it thinking it might be Richard's family. I saw this post about Allen and it really touched my heart. I work for Alabama Power and knew Allen for many years. I worked in Customer Service with Richard also. I remember when 'the boys' were younger and how Allen's face would light up when talked about them. He was always so proud of them and would be now too, of ALL of you! He was such a wonderful person and a hard worker and I know he instilled that in his boys as well. We sure miss him here and talk about him often. People like Allen don't come along very often but you know that because you'll always have a part of him in your husband. God bless, Missy Coker
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