Dads are so Special

June 19, 2022

dads are so special

Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures; yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away…Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:10, 12 (NIV)

I have fond memories of my dad being my buddy at different stages in my life. As a toddler, I remember his strong arms picking me up and putting me on his shoulders. It felt like riding a horse, as I swayed side to side with each step he took, holding onto his forehead, trying not to block his vision or affect his balance, so he wouldn’t trip and have us both come tumbling down. He never did trip. Then as a school-aged, California kid growing up with a backyard pool, I remember dad swimming frog-legged, from one end of the pool to the other, with me on his back. How could his lungs hold so much air? He never came up gasping or having a near-drowning accident. His heart and lungs were really in good shape. I tried giving someone a ride on my back and swimming; it was a big NO-GO.

On dry land, I remember pestering him when he got home from work to play me a game of chess. He could generally beat me in less than 5 moves. His mind was Mensa-sharp, always questioning and analyzing all the options before making any decisions. I can’t even replicate his chess strategy these days. In my teen years, after several years of piano lessons, my mom found a treasured book of old love songs from the Perry Como, Bing Crosby, and Frank Sinatra era. I learned to play many of these classics, such as, “Somewhere My Love,” “Because,” “Oh, Promise Me,” Autumn Leaves,” and my parents’ love song, “No Other Love.” I would play the piano with dad by my side, belting out the songs like those “crooners.”

Now, I think his favorite song to sing is, “When I Grow Too Old to Dream.” His memory is fading, but when he hears the music, the words come flowing back - sometimes. Dad was also my roller coaster partner. Mom never did coasters, but dad would tolerate the G’s, going up, down, and loop-the-loops, never complaining of pain, dizziness, or feeling sick when we were done.

He remained strong in all these areas until mom became ill. He did see her remain spiritually grounded and strong in the Lord. She trusted Jesus and put all her hope in Him. When she had her birthday into her heavenly home 17 years ago, a few months later, the Lord led me to Body & Soul^®Fitness. The music, Scripture, and exercise were just what the doctor ordered to help me in my grief journey. I eventually became an instructor and Body & Soul^® has helped me maintain balance in my life, physically, spiritually, and emotionally.

tempImagex01UEu What about dad? He felt the decades, in his 80+ years of living, catch up to him. He was able to cope for 15 years after mom’s passing, until the pandemic hit. I think the Lord used the pandemic to get the attention of the world to focus back on Him. It took dad hitting the bottom emotionally and physically in order to balance areas of his life. His arms were no longer able to lift more than his cane. His vision and hearing were failing. He had a couple of falls. He had heart surgery and gets winded more easily. His mind is not as sharp and he has to read the song lyrics sometimes. He is content to sit in the wheelchair at the amusement park and hold our bags or take a nap. Body & Soul^® Fitness has been a part of that re-structure of his life priorities. With Body & Soul^® FitTV^TM available at the onset of the pandemic, dad was able to focus on nurturing his spirit and emotions, getting his heart and mind filled with “Jesus music” and Scripture. Through Longevity FIT360^TMhe has been working on balance, coordination, cardiorespiratory fitness, and flexibility. He has learned, like the old man in the movie, “Up,” to value people, number our days, and as my pastor says, “Be wise, living with an eternal perspective.”

Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there!

Reflection: Are you “living with an eternal perspective?” If so, how is this kind of living demonstrated in your life? If not, what priorities do you need to change to live from an eternal perspective rather than a finite, worldly one?

Dr. Liz Berbano

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Liz joined Body & Soul^® Fitness when she transitioned out of the army 15 years ago. The exercise of mind, body, and spirit as well as words to the songs help her continue to grow and passionately serve him as Assistant Regional Director in northern VA, mentored by beautiful leaders in the Body & Soul^® family. Exercise. Bible. Music. Connection. Liz teaches Body & Soul^® in Annandale, VA.

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