Day 4 of the 365 day photo challenge. I am barely getting this post in before the day is over.

My sweet father had to give up driving a few months ago. This is a big deal for most people. And more often, a person is much older than my daddy when they hand over their license. Because he is a man of integrity and is programmed to always do the right thing, he gave up driving with a commendable attitude at the tender age of 60. He has been such an amazing sport about the whole thing. No complaining. He isn’t angry or depressed. He is not having a pity party. Something that is often an incredibly difficult and even painful choice (okay, some folks are forced), he has chosen to have a cheerful heart about. This is consistent with who my dad is. When faced with adversity of any kind, he is meek and gentle and good natured. He is able to respond that way time and again because he has an advocate whom he trusts and follows and loves. My dad loves Jesus. That is his secret. He is a humble example to all who know him. Can you tell I like my dad?

What is my point here? What does all of that have to do with cookies?

My dad has a sweet tooth. He is Dutch. We Dutch folk love sweets. (Maybe we are related to Buddy the Elf. Perhaps he is Dutch.) Before Dad stopped driving, he was capable of purchasing his own treats whenever his supply ran low. Now that he doesn’t have that freedom, he is forced to rely on the compassion of his wife or daughter for his goodies. It is becoming quite a regular errand to stop at the grocery store once, occasionally twice a week to stock up on necessities like pie, several flavors of ice cream, yogurts, egg nog, cookies and more. I’ll receive a text from him, wanting to know if I am going to the store and if so, could I pick up x, y and z. I don’t mind at all. It is my pleasure and I am tickled to help him under such dire circumstances.

Last night, my mom asked me to pick up a loaf of bread for them. Today, a text from my dad read like this, verbatim.

“Good morning Jenn. If you happen to go to the grocery store for bread, please pick up a couple of packages of cheap sandwich cookies. See you later. Love dad.” So, when I stopped at Fry’s, I picked up 2 large packages of daddy’s cookies and decided to snap a photo. These kinds of cookies are so him.

Thank you for our taste buds Lord!