Well, Happy Father’s Day! I’ve been hearing that greeting from quite a few people today. And it is a happy day. But to all those who are remarking lately how fortunate my family is to have such a great dad (and that, of course, would be me) I thought I would set the record straight as to where the luck is distributed.
We are a passionate group of people – the Stirlings, that is. We have plenty of dreams and a lot of ambition. And we have been immensely blessed to have laid hold of some of our fondest wishes.
As some of you know, I have a daughter who has followed her passion, fine-tuned her abilities, worked like a maniac, and accomplished great things. Since she was a teenager she has always wanted to be — a writer. Simon and Shuster is publishing her first book (The Only Pirate at the Party) in January. That’s pretty huge! Her name is Brooke.
All right. I know what you’re thinking. I do have another artistic daughter who has followed her passion. She has a very unique style and many people have seen her work – and seem to like what she does. She is — a painter. She has just begun to sell her artwork at auction and the response is exciting. Her name is Marina.
Ok, ok. Yes, I do have a particularly talented daughter. She is a creative musician who both writes and performs before thousands. She plays the trumpet and holds a position with the East Valley Millennial Orchestra. Nothing seems to stop her from achieving her goals. She is 5’3”, 115 lbs., and now wants to become a firefighter to support her family. And she’ll do it too. Her name is Jennifer.
I also have a son who is going to jail. At least that’s what the letter we got from the State of Texas said. If anybody ever sees Vladimir, tell him that he might avoid the warrant, even now, if he’ll pay the speeding ticket. (Vladimir has become rather reclusive again, so I don’t hear from him much. But he is a sweet soul – with a good heart) Also, ask him to call his Dad, just so I can tell him I love him.
Oh, very well! I do have a daughter named Lindsey who has achieved a modest kind of success in following her passion. That passion – to be a dancing violinist – has driven her through defeat after defeat after defeat to ultimate achievement. She knows what it is like to fail. And she knows what it is like to succeed. And she is an example to anyone that our dreams are worth the effort and struggle – and can come true.
Incidentally, these five people have all been blessed with a great mother who has taught them to reach for the stars and given them an example of quiet greatness to follow. I follow that example too. She has generously shared her life with me. Her name is Diane.
As for me, I teach seminary and I write. Those have been two of my greatest aspirations in life. And I’ve accomplished a lot of my dreams so far. I’ve published my second book, a novel, Persona Non Grata, last July. There are still a few remaining items on my bucket list – like publishing Persona Non Grata II, III, IV, and V. (Ambitious!) There’s time for that. But no fulfilled dream of life has given me such satisfaction as my relationship with a loving wife, five fine children, and a Father in Heaven who has been so good to me.
From one who has been so favored, to all who may be fathers – or who have one, I wish a Happy Father’s Day. May none of us forget how ultimately lucky and bounteously blessed we are.
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Bless you Mr Stirling, your good wife
and all those wonderful ‘little blessings’ that in their own right have & continue to grow into Huge Blessings to multitudes, and their own offspringers.
The lives that have & continue to be impacted through God’s Love flowing through each of you; to those around, both family friends (both old new a yet-to-be) and those you will never meet, is wonderfully life-changing.
Thank you Stirling Family <3
I hope I can raise such fearless and ambitious sons and daughters of God as you have. Thank you for being such a wonderful example of what holding the sacred office and title of Father really means.
“Like”…… Giant thumbs up to this whole Stirling family…..each and every one of you!!!! Thank you all!!!
Mr. Stirling,
Just read all of this and it was so nice and touching! Of course you already know I’m a big fan of you Stirlings and especially that one that is on the go all the time….which one was that?…hmm She never sleeps, braves harsh elements (high heat in NC heh heh heh this past Mon and extreme cold i.e. Norway), moves around like a pixie, cares for more people than herself, and stole my heart long ago from some TV talent show…. hmm. I think I just gave it away!
Anyway, just confirming you are a truly blessed family and I am grateful for the interactions I’ve had with you, Brooke, & yes of course my Queen, Lindsey! I hope one day I get to talk with Marina, Vladimir and your wife, Diane. Keep on inspiring and leading by example! I will always support all that you great folks do!
Thanks for your time….
-Wayne from Hickory NC (rabid loyal Stirlingite)