My Dear Father,
I know that I am not able to be with you physically on this very special day, but my love is with you this day and always.
The greatest honor I can give you and mother is to walk in the love and truth I have been taught. For when I walk in the pathway of truth, I bring honor to you my Earthly Father, and praise to my Heavenly Father.
I have been blessed to see much of the Creator’s handiwork. My precious father, oftentimes the beauty around is also a testament to you.
One of the places I visited was the Mississippi Petrified Forest – the only petrified forest in the eastern United States. This unusual site lay in obscurity until someone saw its beauty and shared it with others. So it is with you, my father. This day may go unheralded, for not many know of the beauty of the truly great man who lives in Buffalo, New York. But there will be a day in Father’s due time, that your works and your love will be known by all.
I used the “Nature Trail” guide as I walked along the trail. Now, I would like to share with you and mother some of my experiences along the trail, and just how they stand as a testament to you.
1… My first point of interest was a cross-section of a Redwood tree from California. It is 1018 years old and so lived to see much of our earth’s history. It withstood the onslaught of many storms without wavering … only man was able to fell this mighty giant. I was only able to see a small portion of this mighty giant, but it was enough to cause me to marvel. I have only been able to see but a small portion of your life, but that portion is enough to fill my heart with love and cause me to marvel at a giant of a father. Your faith, and that of mother’s, has withstood many of the adversary’s fiery darts. Your love has comforted me, and you have always stood by me even when you did not agree with my actions.
2… Events leading to the preservation of the petrified logs began many years ago. I know many events in your past worked together to build your character. I also know I loved you and chose you to be my father before we entered this earthly existence. My desire is to return to my Heavenly Father, and so I needed a valiant father to show me the pathway I must travel.
3… According to man’s knowledge, all the logs came to Mississippi as driftwood from the north, were stranded,, buried, then petrified. When I passed this site, I realized each on of us could be as driftwood unless we have the gospel to hang on to and show us the way. How many children have nowhere to go and no direction to live their lives because they did not have good parents to guide them? I know that I am doing the will of my Father in Heaven and am thankful that I have earthly parents who guide me with love.
4… Much damage is done to mar the Creator’s beauty by thoughtless people. I remember the long talks we had about the Creator’s handiwork and the sense of responsibility toward all things around us that I was taught so early in life. To create and enjoy rather than destroy and mock is a teaching that must be lacking in many homes. Otherwise there would be no need to set aside areas for future generations to enjoy. The areas would remain always for everyone to enjoy.
5… Even though I studied Biology and the way algae and fungi live together in a symbiotic relationship, I still marvel when I see the lichens. To appreciate one another and live in harmony is a beautiful goal. Dad, do you remember the times you spoke about the harmony you felt with all creation? I can see you now, with the love in your eyes, as you feed the birds and the squirrels and Tippy. Those moments are worth more than gold to me.
6… My precious father, I can see where your journey through life has not been an easy one and where it has taken its toll. But your courage and your positive attitude is truly an inspiration. Even when people have taken advantage of you, I can only remember soft words. Your example has taught me more than books full of words.
7… Not all the petrified wood is visible and much still lies below the surface. So it is with our talents. Many are buried and are slowly exposed as we develop them. How many fathers wish to continually learn and develop their talents? I’m sure the percentage is not very high. But, you are an exception… Your electronics course to further your job skills, your search for natural healing methods, are but two examples. Many people comment on my diversity of interests. Their complements are mere reflections to your shining example.
8… Along the trail we came to “Caveman’s Bench” where I took a moment to rest. Too often we do not stop and listen and see the beauty around us. I can remember our quiet times of rest where I was taught to be quiet and listen to the sounds and see the beauty of nature around us.
9… This hollow log with walls of rock reminds me of the shelter and strength in times of need. How truly great it is to know you have both a Heavenly Father and an Earthly Father who will protect you and shelter you from life’s storms.
10… Just as the pine needles and leaves offer an excellent camouflage which nearly covers the logs, so does your love cover the hurts of life.
11… These logs are an extinct hardwood. My father, parents like you and mother are from a rare breed and hopefully will never become extinct. Because it was when righteous parents who taught their children to walk in the paths of righteousness became extinct, God caused the flood to cover the earth.
12… A child is a gift from our Father in Heaven whose life can be one of beauty or can easily be destroyed. I pray my life is an example and brings praise to my Father in Heaven and honor to you.
The trail continues to its conclusion at the Museum. Our lives continue until we meet Jesus. Then they continue through eternity. Although I have shared but half the trail, my prayer is that you, mother, and I can share all eternity together.
I love you, dad. These words are only a part of the love and respect I hold for a great father. I also know that to be a good father takes a good woman by his side. And so, mother, this letter is also a silent tribute to you.
This letter was written when first visited the Petrified Forest March 1980 on my dad’s birthday when he was still with me. The date listed is my second visit to the Petrified Forest when my dad is no longer with me. It is a testament to the love that endures now and forever.