Tribute To My Dad

I lost my dad a week ago. These past several days have been a blur, and my mind is in a fog. I’ve known for a while now that I would want to speak at his service. But when the idea of doing so became a reality, I didn’t know what to say. Thoughts and memories flooded my mind as I remembered and reminisced with family and friends. In the twelve hours before the service, I sat before the Lord and begged Him to bring it together for me… the following is what He gave me to share:

To all you friends and family, I’m so thankful you are here

To remember and celebrate my special dad, the one we hold so dear.

Though the least known of his brothers, Dad was a Kuiper

He wore the family name proud

A man of few words, sometimes painfully quiet

But whose actions spoke love and spoke loud.

His gentle spirit and depth of love we witnessed in many ways

His visits and cards and the gifts that he gave, a treasure for all of our days.

He never made much money, but man, did he work hard

Whether delivering furniture, cleaning carpets or working out in his yard.

His flowers were gorgeous in his manicured lawn, everything in its place

He’d sit on the porch and take it all in, a smile across his face.

Dad often listened to music and loved the old hymns

Always eager to see Men of a Chord

Faithful to read the “Today” devotional and pray to his Savior and Lord.

Life wasn’t all easy – his childhood was hard; he harbored a great deal of pain

When divorce broke his heart, I thought he would wither

 But our good God gave strength once again.

God provided a chance to get to know him in ways I wouldn’t have otherwise had

I learned to understand and appreciate more this man whom God gave me as Dad.

Six precious grandkids whom he loved beyond measure

Proudest Papa – you know what I mean

His sparkle, his energy, his true pride and joy – his love for them undeniably seen.

Sack lunches at midday Papa would bring: butterscotch pudding, sweet pickles in foil

Of course there’d be Smarties, and a small bag of chips – our kids were certainly spoiled!

Dad cooked a mean roast for hot Sunday dinner, mashed potatoes and gravy for sure

The Lord’s Prayer in one breath would make us all smile

His quiet faith would always endure.

These last weeks were definitely hard ones as I saw my dad getting so frail

I thought my heart was preparing for this

But still not expecting his heart to so quickly fail.

I’m thankful for those times together, even though bittersweet

Appointments and pills and caring for him; so humbled by washing his feet.

Dad wasn’t perfect, far from it in fact

But I’m so grateful for how we’ve been blessed

This man loved so deeply, though imperfectly so, and I’m certain that he is at rest.

He has fought the good fight, the victory won; he has run hard and finished the race

Ushered safely to glory I hear him laughing out loud

Looking straight into his Savior’s face.

His faith is made sight, held in Jesus’ arms; his parting from earth a sweet release

I’ll love him and miss him ’til we meet again, but I have joy knowing he is at peace.

Today we remember and celebrate him, feeling both happy and sad

Honoring the life and the deepest love of Ken Kuiper, our Papa and Dad.