Melody just loves her daddy! She lights up when he holds her. Play time with Daddy elicits incredibly sweet smiles from her.
Melody entered this life into her daddy’s hands.
A few weeks later, on the day pictured above, we thought she would pass into eternity in his arms.
At that time Melody’s life was a bit tentative for a couple of weeks, but then she turned a corner and kept marching.
She grew a little.
And a little more.
For quite some time she was pretty oblivious to her daddy, as he was not the one who spent the majority of the time feeding her. Eventually she went through a developmental stage where she was able to connect with him more.
(Her shirt says, “If the crown fits…” Believe me, the crown fits!)
Now she adores him! She couldn’t comprehend all he has done for her, the countless sacrifices he has made, the stability he has provided in her times of crisis, and the list goes on. Yet she understands enough about this life to know that she just LOVES being with her daddy.
I am so thankful for his devotion to all of us throughout the years. (We just celebrated 20 years of marriage!) Melody is blessed with a strong, stable, committed daddy who has been able to, with the Lord’s grace, weather the storms of her life. I appreciate that he loves Melody deeply, is genuinely proud of all her little “accomplishments”, and accepts her for who she is.
Through wisdom a house is built,
And by understanding it is established;
By knowledge the rooms are filled
With all precious and pleasant riches.
Proverbs 24:3
Comments 18
Jenn,
What a very tender and special Thanks to Andrew for all he has been to you and the children, especially Melody. Darling pictures–all the children look so grown up–especially Joseph. God Bless all of you and love and hugs to all.
love you all, joanie
What a beautiful testimony .. Happy Father’s Day Andrew and thank you for your example of fatherhood to not only your children, but a watching world!
Love,
Anne Marie & Gary
Author
You all have been an amazing influence on our family. Gary’s encouragement on fatherhood has impacted Andrew greatly. You all have been a blessing to us beyond anything you could know! Thank you for continuing to follow Melody’s story.
You, your husband and your precious children are such light in a dark world. Thank you Andrew for showing us a very tangible expression of the Father’s deep love for us- beyond measure. Thank you Jennifer for being so faithful in your walk before the Lord as a wife and a mother. Blessings to you all!
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY TO AN INCREDIBLE DAD!
WHAT A JOY TO SEE YOU ALL AND KNOW THAT YOUR JOY
IS GREAT BECAUSE THE LORD LIVES SO BEAUTIFULLY IN ALL OF YOU.
MUCH LOVE AND MANY BLESSINGS,
SANDY
From Milan, Italy
Author
Sandra, you have blessed our family more than you could ever know! You have changed Melody’s life so significantly, and thus ours. We appreciate all you have done for her breathing, as well as many other aspects of her life. You are a gift from the Lord, and we have cannot adequately express our gratitude to you. I hope more families with T18 babies find you.
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!
I AM SURE IT IS THE VERY SPECIAL DAY THAT IT SHOULD BE!
YOUR BEAUTIFUL FAMILY AND YOU ARE SUCH
A JOY IN MY LIFE…THANK YOU!
WITH A HUGE AMOUNT OF LOVE TO ALL OF YOU,
SANDY
Oh my what a beautiful and heart warming Father’s Day story! Thank you for sharing this with me!
Happy Father’s Day, Andrew!
When you were placed in our arms for the very first time, (making us a proud Mom and Dad), we never dreamed of the “journey” God would have us all sharing at this time. But God has been preparing us ever so lovingly and patiently by maturing our faith and trust in Him and His sovereign plan for our lives over these years. He has made it abundantly clear that He is on this “journey” with us and will “never leave us or forsake us.” We rejoice with every developmental achievement our dear sweet Melody makes – knowing that her loving Mom and Dad, Sisters and Brother have devoted countless hours to her various therapies and exercises and other developmental aids that have helped Melody achieve each goal. What a joy to watch your wonderful family at work.
Happy Father’s Day, Son. We are so proud of you, Jenn, and all our precious grandchildren.
Author
Thank you for your sweet note. You all are a remarkable example of how to grandparent a child with disabilities. From day one you have loved and treasured Melody just for who she is. (I know my parents would be so proud of her as well if they were still with us.) We have never felt even the slightest disappointment from you regarding Melody’s development. You have embraced her and showered her with love just as you do all your other grandchildren. You have genuinely rejoiced in all her little developments. Your delight in her progress is an immense encouragement to us. You all are a gift and a blessing to us and to Melody!
It’s an honorable gift from God to be a Dad. Andrew honors God by being the best Dad he can be…..he’s a Dad to the 5th power!
Love,
Jack & Phyllis D
What a testimony to our Heavenly Farher’s faithful and unending love, even when we as humans can’t comprehend it. You snd your wonderful family are a light in a dark world, and you strengthen and encourage more people than you will know.
May god bless you in deeper ways than we know how to ask Him to do.
Thank you for sharing these joyful photos and your Father’s Day tribute to Andrew. You are an amazing family, an inspiration for everyone who comes into your lives!
Author
Nan, you have helped Melody so much, and we are immensely grateful for you! You have been a real gift to our family. Your little buddy just loves you and so do we!
Happy Fathers Day, Andrew!
Congrats on 20th Anniv with Jenn! Your entire family is so very incredible & special!
Melody, the #RockStar!
JoeHart
Happy Father’s Day, Andrew! Your love for Melody and your family is a gift from God and a testimony of His love for all. You and your family are a blessing to so many.
oh praise the Lord! Thank you for sharing, so great to see you at CHEC, wish we would have had more time to talk. Bless you.
What a beautiful way to watch Melody and her family grow together and an excellent Father’s Day tribute!