6/21/09 - HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

Happy Father's Day to all the Dad's out there and thank you all so much to those who wished me a Happy Father's Day too :)

I apologize for not keep up with the blog and keeping you informed with how things are going. Everytime I sit down to write something, I am at a loss of words. I know this sounds crazy, but I have typers block and just can't think of what to talk about. I guess when you have so much to talk about with Kayleigh, you run out of things to say when there isn't much going on with us.

That leads me to something I would like to continue and that is not "Thoughtful Thursdays" but "Thankful Thursday" to talk about those in our lives who we are so thankful for. I have a lot of people in my life who have lead the path to direct my growth as a person and I think it would be an honor to acknowledge those people to the world.

I know today is Father's day Sunday and it doesn't look or sound anything like Thursday, but how can I pass up on a day to recognize one of the most important people in my life...my Dad.

My Dad, Gary Freeman or better known around here as "Papa G" is everything that exemplifies what a dad should be. He is who paved the way for me to be the man that I am today. From the very beginning, I remember my dad being the hard working man who supported our family to have a life filled with so many wonderful memories. We were a middle class family who never had the expensive things, but we had more than that. We had all the love a family could ask for.

The best memories I had growing up were spent with my family and we were all very intensely in to baseball. My brothers and I played competitively, and my dad made sure we had the up to date gloves, bats and training to increase our skills. My dad was a catcher growing up and before he seriously hurt his back, he was a great ballplayer. However, a career ending injury can't take away his knowledge and he certainly passed on a great bit of help to gear us ready for each level of play. All three of us (Scott, Josh and myself) succeeded in our baseball careers and we owe it all to my dad.

My dad is a leader and is very knowledgeable about everything that life's lessons bring. However, he may be too knowledgeable in the math department which scared us to death to ask for help in our math setbacks. If you look up "human calculator" in the dictionary, you will see a photo of my dad...and one of those clouds above his head with an impossible math calculation spelled out.

Beyond his math intelligence, he is a big teddy bear who loves "Patti Kaye" (my mom) and holds nothing back to show it. You can see the size of his heart and the love he has for her, which shows us all how to be a knight in shining armour. The love he gives will be an impossible level to reach, but worth every ounce to try.

I am the dad I was for Kayleigh because my dad lead me to love like no other. Kayleigh would have grown up with the best grandpa is the world, but she is certainly shining down from heaven just waiting for the day "Papa G" can kiss, hug and tease her (like he does to us all) in to giggles.

"Dad, I love you so much and I want to thank you for being the best example of a father anyone could ask for. I am beyond blessed to call you my dad and even though I have been a pain at times, thank you for loving me unconditionally. You should be so proud of yourself for the life you have lived and the lives you have touched. I am lucky to have you and thank you for EVERYTHING"



God Bless,

71 comments:

Joanne said...

Thanks for the great update. I've missed not hearing from you, however I totally understand too. You and your family mean a lot to me, so I'm glad when you update. God bless.

Sarah Suzy said...

so glad to see an update! what a nice tribute to your dad. you ARE a wonderful earthly father to Kayleigh...still.

Happy Fathers Day!

Jennifer in NM said...

Adam,

First, HAPPY FATHERS DAY! Second, you are a wonderful son who speaks so loud and clear about his dad. We can all see that your dad is wonderful, I mean after all look at the son he has produced! Everything you say about your dad, we can see in you. I have always been in awe at how much love you show to Aimee, with just a silent glance at her. Aimee, you are a lucky woman!

Second, it hurts me to know that this fathers day you do not have precious Kayleigh to hold on to physically. BUT, it lightens the hurt for me to also know that she is ever so tightly holding you from heaven, and you holding her tightly in your heart. I miss her dearly.

Lastly, I do miss the blog updates. Often times I just wonder if you guys have gotten settled comfortably in your new house, how your business is going, and how the real estate is doing. I wonder how Brandon and Allyson are doing and what plans you guys have for the summer. Believe it or not I still faithfully check the blog on a daily basis, just praying for a small update.

With much love from a faithful follower,

Jennifer
jlcampbell2008@yahoo.com

wicker0407 said...

I am so glad you updated and Happy Father's Day! I miss your posts and your sweet Kayleigh so much. I think of her often. Sending lots of prayers your way today. Is there soemnthing special your readers can do on Tuesday to celebrate what would have been Kayleigh's 1st Birthday? Please let us know no matter what she will be on my mind all day as she still often is. When I look at my own kids I think of her so often and I still love her so much and I love you Freeman Family!
God Bless!
Summer in California

Anonymous said...

So happy to see an update today :) I find myself checking for an update everyday.. But I so understand when I don't see one. Happy Fathers Day!!! May god bless you and your family always!

Lucy in Indiana

J said...

What a wonderful tribute to your father. Happy Father's Day, and I am pulling for Kayleigh.

Beth in NC said...

That is so sweet. What a blessing to have a great Daddy.

Happy Father's Day to you!

I pray you and your sweet family are doing well.

Beth

Brooke said...

Happy Father's Day, Adam.

I've been thinking about you and Aimee and Allyson and Brandon. Thank you for the update, and what a wonderful tribute to your father. You are a wonderful father to Kayleigh, and we continue to pray for all of you.

Anonymous said...

Happy Father's Day Adam. Hope and pray everyday you guys are doing well. God Bless!

Jen said...

Happy Fathers Day. I know it isn't quite the same without your sweet baby girl but she is shining down on you today.
Please post when you feel up to it. I check everyday just to see how you guys are doing. Even the most mundane thing to you is joy to us....we all worry about you and I am keeping you and your family in my prayers.

TheSooner7 said...

Happy Father's Day, I am sure Kayleigh is sitting on the lap of Jesus asking for peace and comfort for you on this day. Thank you for sharing your story, and Kayleigh's story...you are definitely one of the most awesome dad's I have "met". I bet Kayleigh is so proud of her daddy :) and thanks God every day He gave her to you for her earthly father. We love you and continue to pray for you all.

Googsmom said...

And the winner of the best blog about fathers day goes to... Adam!!!

{{{{{HUGS The Freeman's}}}}}

KRISTEN'S PALACE said...

God Bless you all! I'm so sorry for your loss, but just think, she is with our wonderful heavenly father. Happy Father's Day.

The Woollard Family said...

Happy Father's Day Adam!!! I'm glad y'all are doing well and we've been thinking about y'all a lot!

♥The Woollards
Heather, Joseph, Bailey Alyse, and Baby Bean #2 (due Dec 22nd).

Alabama

Joni In MN said...

What a wonderful write up about your dad, Adam. Surely does show the love! And Happy Father's Day! :) Enjoy EVERY moment & take tons of photos w/dad!

Nine yrs ago (today) my dad past... the memories we had together will never leave & in each photo even more come flashing back bringing a smile to me!

Gotta laugh re: math in the head... my mom is the same way & it boggles my mind!

April said...

What a wonderful tribute to your father! I know he is so proud of the father you became and should be proud of himself for raising a boy that became the father you are.

I wear Kayleigh's bracelet proudly

-April and Jackson

Stephanie said...

Happy Fathers Day to you and your Dad!

Unknown said...

Adam, What a way to make a come back. I think your typer block is gone. Have checked everyday to see how you guys were doing. God Bless you all.

Amy said...

Thinking of you on this Father's Day. I hope that God is blessing you with joy more than sorrow and smiles more than tears.

Anonymous said...

It's good to "see" you again. Happy Father's Day!! God Bless

Debbie - New Zealand said...

A Big huge Happy Father's Day Adam....You are an amazing father to all your children and I just know that Kayleigh is looking down at her Daddy and is soo proud to have had you in her life...

Jac Tubre said...

Happy Father's Day Adam!

Jac

Danyele Easterhaus said...

happy fathers day to you and big cuddle bear g too!

libby @ ninesandquines said...

What a beautiful tribute to your dad, Adam! Happy Father's Day!

S said...

Happy Father's Day! I bet Kayleigh is saying the same things to the angels today! I'm sure B and A are thinking it too!

donna said...

ADAM,GLAD YOU ARE BACK,WE HAVE MISSED YOU AND YOUR WRITINGS, YOU ALWAYS KNOW HOW TO PUT THE WORDS JUST RIGHT..I HAD A WONDERFUL DAD ALSO, I MISS HIM DEARLY,TODAY WAS VERY HARD FOR ME , MY DAD PASSED AWAY IN JULY LAST YEAR FROM CANCER,I REMBER LAST YEAR, I GOT A CARD TO GIVE HIM, AND SAT AND CRYED TRYING TO JUST WRITE IN IT , KNOWING THAT WAS HES LAST FATHERS DAY WITH US,I DID GO VISIT HIM TODAY AND PUT A WREATH ON HIS GRAVE, GUESS WHAT I SEEN A BUTTERFLY AND I KNEW THAT YOUR BEUTIFUL LITTLE GIRL WAS THERE WITH ME , SO I SMILED AND CRYED, GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

Aspiemom said...

It was very nice to see your update. Happy Father's Day to you!

THE SPIVEY"S said...

Happy Father's Day! I know this was a special day for you. Thanks for posting and telling us how you were doing. I was thinking about Kayleigh and you all last night. I had my March for Dimes shirt on and it has her name on it because we walked in her honor as well as some others and it just got me thinking about her and your family. I hope things are going well.

The Spivey's
Lexington, SC

Kirsten: said...

Happy Father's Day Adam & Papa G!!!

Heather said...

Happy Father's Day Adam. I know Kayleigh is shining down from heaven telling everyone that you are the best daddy. I am so sorry that she is not here with you on this earth.

Thank you for this update. I check here often and think about you. We will be thinking about you all on Tuesday, little Kayleigh's birthday.

Love and prayers to you all.

Anonymous said...

Adam Aimee I totaly understand where you might be getting the block. But remember that Lots of us have come to think of your family as extended of our own. Adam I love what you wrote bout your Father!! Sounds like he is a wonderful father and grandfather. I am glad you all are doing okay. Just pop in and let us know how you all are doing!!
Caring Hugs and Thoughts
Shane Mary Brianne Gavin Shyanne
BBC Sept 08

maddie/cadesmimi said...

So good to hear from you again! Of course I totally understand that you need time to adjust to the changes in your life and hoping that you and the kids are spending time together this summer. What a great post about your dad. Enjoy him while you can, mine passed away 18 years ago. Best wishes always to you and your family. Kathy in GA

The Pirsein Family said...

Thinking of your family daily and hope you had a good father's day. Kayleigh is definitely shining down on all of us! God Bless!

Lindsey Barham said...

Freeman's
It is so good to hear from you. I contuine to think about you and lift your family up daily in my prayer time. You are forever a part of my family now. I loved the post.

Tina said...

What a great tribute to your dad!

Happy Father's day to you, too!

Melissa said...

So glad to hear from you.... we have all missed getting updates from you.... and my family still prays for you and Aimee and the other kids...oh and of course Kayleigh!!!
Happy Father's Day to you....and your dad!!!

E @ Scottsville said...

Great pic of you & your dad. Happy Father's Day to both of you!

Emmeline said...

So glad to see an update! I think everyone gets 'bloggers block' but I can only imagine how hard it must be for you. Happy Fathers Day!

Trav's Mommy said...

I absolutely loved your Father's Day update. Your courage amazes me beyond belief. I hope that one day I too can have the strengths you show so deeply through your blog posts. Not to mention the way you show it through the videos!
Kayleigh is so blessed to have you as her father, I believe everyone can see that.
I hope the family is doing well and you're settling into your new home. I look forward to your next update.
Take care and God Bless,
Ashley

Georgia in KC said...

Great to hear from you. Your words are always so amazing. I can't wait to read your book. Hope you had a good day yesterday. That was a great message for your dad.

Alicia W. said...

Happy fathers day, Adam! I continue to pray for you all. That smile on your Dad's face is wonderful. :o)

Jenny said...

Great to hear from you- this post is so sweet! It's so great to see a young man who honors his father- hope we can raise our sons this well!!!

Cathy said...

Welcome back...we missed you. That was a wonderful tribute to your father.

Happy Father's Day!

Katie said...

Happy (late) Father's Day! I have been checking faithfully, waiting for a new post. Thanks for the update and the tribute to your own dad. I know that your two stepchildren are also very blessed to have you in their lives!

JaMean said...

Happy Fathers Day!! :) Glad everything is well! We think about you guys all the time.

4 Lettre Words said...

What a wonderful post, Adam. You both are blessed!

Jennifer said...

I wish everyone could have such a wonderful experience with their own dads that you have showed us you had with your Dad. I hope that you and your family had a good Father's Day. Our family thinks about your family often!God bless!

jan kessler said...

I am so glad you gave an update and what a wonderful post about your dad. I miss your updates. I wonder how you guys are doing. Although I pray for you guys daily, I wait patiently and check everyday. Very interested in how things are going with you, Aimee, Allyson and Brandon. I think about Kayleigh often as well.I am glad you and Papa G. What do the grandkids call your Mom. Hope you had a wonderful Father's Day.

You guys are so special to me and hold a special place in my heart.
Thanks for the update.

Jan
janice.kessler@att.net

Anonymous said...

How sweet was this post....Your dad seems as awesome as mine was. My dad left us WAY too soon, but his "teachings, gifts and pure love"....are everlasting! The only regret that I have had was that he never got to "earthly meet" my children/grandchildren....but, that hasn't stopped him, I do know that he is with all of us, guiding and loving us still.

Give your dad, extra, extra hugs, each and every time that you see him.... Happy Fathers day!!

Kate said...

Happy Father's Day, Adam. We're praying for you guys!

anorthern said...

Adam,

It is great to here how God prepared you to be Kayleigh's father. She was truly blessed to enjoy your fatherhood while here on this earth. God has encouraged me in loving Parker by your life. Thank you.

Andrew

Sheila said...

Happy belated Father's day. I too miss "seeing" you here on the blog. I got so used to checking in on Kayleigh every morning. I think of you and your family often, and hope that you are settling into your new home as well as you can.

Anonymous said...

Glad to see your update, I know how hard Father's Day must have been for you...you are a wonderful father, Kayleigh was certainly blessed! It was a lovely tribute for Papa G as well--you have the same smiles :)
My heart is heavy tonight, as I know Kayleigh's birthday is tomorrow, and well, I miss her...I miss your inspired writing as well. Tomorrow my boys and I are planting a blueberry bush in honor of Miss Kayleigh. We picked blueberries last year, when my son Nicky stopped to pray for Kayleigh in the middle of the farm...it was then that I realized how much Kayleigh had impacted our life...I grieve for the little girl I never knew, and will never forget. I lost our camera on vacation, but when I save up for a new one, I will send pix. It's going to be a mini celebration of her life...PS, my boys ask about her frequently, and look out for Kayleigh butterflies now. My heart is with you guys tomorrow, Leslie in CT

Shelby said...

Happy Birthday Sweet Baby Girl! We are thinking about you or your firs birthday! We love and miss you!

The Hawkins Family.

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you and Kayleigh today...her birthday. Happy Birthday Sweet Angel Kayleigh!

Jennifer in NM said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAYLEIGH!

Adam, Aimee, Brandon, and Allyson:

Hope you all have a good day and spend your day in rememberance of beautiful Kayleigh. I am sure she would love for you guys to eat a piece of chocolate cake for her. The skies will shine brighter today.

With love,
Jennifer

Colleen said...

I wanted to send a Happy Birthday Kayleigh your way just to say I'm thinking of all of you and I hope you have a great day today. There is a lot of love coming your way...

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Kayleigh! Thinking about you today on our birthday.

Leah Lawson

Jessica said...

Happy Birthday sweet baby. I know today is going to be a very sad day. I pray that you have some joy today as you think back on the last year and know that kayleigh is looking down and watching over your family. She is one preciouse baby girl and i think about her all the time.

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you and Kayleigh...Happy Birthday Sweet Baby!!
Malessa

m&msmommy said...

Happy Birthday to your sweet Kayleigh!!! I pray for peace and comfort for your hearts today as I'm imaging the day will be difficult.

Love and prayers,
Christina Gomez
C.O.L.E Prayer Team
www.colesfoundation.com

Kate said...

Happy Fathers' Day Adam!

Also, Happy Birthday to Angel Kayleigh, you are so loved by so many sweet girl.

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Baby Girl...we miss you!

I hope you guys have a wonderful day celebrating your perfect baby girl. I will be thinking of you today.

Sarah Joy said...

Just wanted to say that I am thinking of you guys today on Kayleigh's birthday... it is also my birthday and I am so honored to share this day with such a little Warrrior! I can't imagine how your hearts must be missing her but I wanted to tell you that I am thinking of you and praying for you on today, June 23rd what would have been her first birthday.

Tamara Dawn said...

A beautiful tribute to your Dad - thanks so much for sharing. I am so glad you were surrounded by family this Father's Day. Keeping you & your family in my thoughts and prayers. I know it must be hard to sit on Kayleigh's blog and write. Maybe you can post here when you need to feel close to Kayleigh or talk about your path with her story. She inspired so many people. You can make an extension of this blog - like The Freeman Family Blog or something so it may be easier to sit down and type again.

Either way, Bless you. You always inspire me with your strength and powerful words.

Father's Day is hard for me, I lost my Dad a little more than two years ago. Your relationship with your dad is precious and I am glad you are enjoying each other :)

Tamara

Anonymous said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAYLEIGH!!!

Tammy On the Go said...

It's always good to hear from your family...inspired by Kayliegh,
www.tellthemtuesday.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Sweet Kayleigh!! I think of her all the time. Everytime I see a butterfly, it makes me smile.

Amy

Sarah said...

Happy Birthday Kayleigh!

Anonymous said...

My goodness what an awesome picture! You look just alike--awesome smiles. Thank you so much for still thinking of us all, and continuing to update us. Believe me, we still care very much and wish only the best for your family. I'm pretty much amazed by your generosity in sharing with us. Thinking of you and EVERYONE in your family with lots of love.

Mama.Sienna said...

You are a very blessed man to have a great relationship with your dad. I pray my 2 son grow into men that can admire and respect their dad the way you do. My husband is an awesome father and great man. :))