I've thought about it a lot today, and my dad was instrumental in my marriage to Brett. For almost 25 years, my dad protected my heart from guys who didn't deserve it. He would readily stand at the garage with an ax over his shoulder when a guy friend would pick me up (true story). He wrote the names of my boyfriends on bullets, and told them he really hoped he wouldn't have to use them. With Brett, it was different. The bullets he wrote Brett's name on weren't loaded. And Dad even gave them to Brett, implying that he trusted him with me.
Daddy, while I didn't like it at the time, thank you for using your incredible sense of discernment to protect me from men who weren't in God's plan for my future. Thank you for being willing to hand me over to my husband of almost two years (tomorrow). Your trust in Brett only confirmed what I knew about him.
I've said it once and I'll say it until the day I'm in heaven: my Pappaw is the BEST story teller (an art that is all too lost in my generation). He is full of wisdom and common sense. He is funny and strong. He is the center of our family. And while he turns 90 this year, he is still sharp as a tack. He is one of the greatest images I have of a man who does not judge and loves fully.
I can honestly say, Brett wouldn't be who he is without Yogi. I mean, you can think of the obvious with Brett following in his dad's footsteps with coaching, but there are so many more things besides their common love of the game. Growing up, Brett saw Yogi and Gail take Yogi's players into their house and treat them as their own. Brett saw how Yogi stood in as a father figure for a lot of these young men, how he disciplined them out of love, and how he gave them structure that they so craved. I know Brett sees his profession as a ministry. I'm sure part of that viewpoint is from the way Yogi loved the men underneath his care. Yogi, that is one of the things that drew me to Brett: he doesn't see his job as a job, but as a ministry. He knows without a doubt God's calling on his life. I have you to thank for that.
Will is the newest daddy in the family, but I have loved seeing him interact with Laney. He is HILARIOUS with his dancing with Laney, but I have seen his softer side with her when he sings to her. I can tell when Laney looks at him that she just adores him. You are a great brother to me and father to your precious little girl.
I love y'all so much!
