Whenever around a basketball and basketball goal growing-up, and Daddy was there, Daddy would usually ask for the ball, so that he could impress us with his right-handed or left-handed hook shots. While he did not make every shot, he did make a lot of them. I suppose you could say he was proficient! It is the only type basketball shot I ever remember him attempting. 

Let me be clear on this point. I had the very best Daddy (what he preferred to be called). I should have shared the following sentiments, while Daddy was living here on Earth. I am very thankful for the parents I was given, Mary Joe and Lonnie Dewayne Avants. Was my Daddy perfect? He was no more and no less than any other. I remember, being sheltered, clothed, and fed. We went to church regularly. That all meant something to me, and I appreciated everything that he did to provide. I have no doubt he got a lot of things wrong, but I know he loved his family and Jesus. That was all I needed to know. That made all the difference to me. I do not recall ever thinking I wished some other man was my father. It was never a consideration. I enjoyed coffee brewing in the kitchen most every morning we woke in the same house together. I enjoyed trips to church. I enjoyed, when he picked us kids up from school early to head to the state fair. I enjoyed the Sundays we skipped church for a family outing to White Lake. I remember sporting events that he attended. I remember Daddy, making sure I got to college safely. I remember him being concerned about my health and safety. Whatever things he may have done that made me mad, they no longer matter. I am more interested in the legacy he left behind...a man that loved his family and Jesus. How could I have possibly been disappointed, especially in light of lack of so many children today, needing good fathers? I am so thankful and blessed to have shared life with Daddy for just over fifty years. It was not enough time! I had the very best Daddy!      

Daddy, I miss you so very much. I see why a daddy is so important. Isn't it amazing how, as children, we treat our parents like they do not know what they are doing. As an adult, we realize just how brilliant they are...like you. Daddy, here is a story for you. It is a story about what I would do, if I had 27 years with you. I would tell you 27 times a day that I love you. I would have you hug me 27 times a day, and I would hug you 27 times a day. I would drive 27 miles out of my way a day just to get to you. I would try to do 27 things a day that you asked to be done that I thought were impossible. I would apologize 27 times a day for treating you like an inconvenience. I would ask for your forgivemess 27 times a day, because it would take 27 a day for 27 years to try to say I am sorry. I would walk with you or stroll with you 27 times a day. I would give you 27 of your favorite food items a day. I would listen to you read 27 chapters of the Bible a day, and then maybe I could read it through like you or even to you. I would do 27 of your favorite things each day. We would call 27 of your friends and family each day just so you could tell them about Jesus. I would say my blessing 27 times a day. I would pray for you and the world 27 times a day so that you would be here and we could witness together. I would kiss you 27 times a day. I would shake your hand 27 times a day and be a man like you are. I would listen to BBN 27 hours in a 24 hour day. I would give you 27 gifts at Father's Day and 27 gifts for your birthday. I would decorate 27 Easter eggs. I would tell you 27 times on Thanksgiving how thankful I am for you. I would buy you 27 Christmas gifts. I would think of 27 special things you did just for me each day just because you loved me. I would send you 27 cards a day to say I love you. I would write you 27 letters a day to try to scratch the tip of the iceberg, of what you have done for me. Daddy...how do I live 27 years, 27 months, 27 days, 27 minutes, or 27 seconds without you? Daddy...watch over me because I do not know how to do this. I need you so. I love you so.   

In early May, 2012, I became a member of the Stroke Buddies Club, along with my Daddy. It was interesting that he and I would have a stroke in common. My stroke was disturbing enough. It is difficult for me to comprehend what my Daddy must have been going through. At times, I was not under the impression Daddy realized he was still recovering from his own stroke. He was very concerned about me, and while a bit weird, it was nice to have something else in common with my Daddy. Somehow, I guess he always knew I was the fragile one.  

When I was a small boy, I passed-out regularly. I remember well, being carried over my daddy's shoulder, as we left church. These spells came along with me into adulthood, and as I got bigger, so did the spells. Each time I passed out as an adult, then recovered, I would recall my daddy carrying me on his shoulder, across the church parking lot. At nearly 6'4" and 215-220 lbs, I found that to be somewhat humorous. One of my later, major spells put me in the Granville County Hospital in 1987, just over a year, before he would have a major spell that changed his life and our lives forever. Still, although figuratively, Daddy "carried me on his shoulder". We went to our land and little cabin in Patrick Springs, Va. It was a nice get away. I had just finished college at Appalachian State University. I am glad my daddy and mother had provided such a beautiful place for my recovery. I will always remember, riding on Daddy's shoulder.