I recently stumbled upon a copy of Joseph Slate's The Great Big Wagon That Rang at our local library. I couldn't help but add this to our borrowed collection of historical finds, as we have been delving into American history. Our oldest little girl and I have been having such fun trying to learn the forty-four presidents who led our nation. And even our little one has enjoyed the review as we make our way through the list! And so with a renewed appreciation for our country's history, this title seemed like a great addition to our studies.
As we prepared to read this book, I could not help but reflect upon a visit to the Liberty Bell that my family enjoyed when I was a young girl. My father loved our family dearly, and he loved our nation's history. He loved taking us to see the sights of some of our country's most honored places. And perhaps one of the things that I remember most is his love for finding a priceless remembrance of our trip. And they truly are priceless, these small souvenirs that have stayed with me all these years.
It has been a while since I last reflected on these special memories, but what a joy it is to now have this small remembrance of the Liberty Bell displayed in our bookcase once again. What a joy it has been to ring this little bell for our children to hear, the bell that many years ago was placed in my hands by my loving father. And how precious, even still, to be able to speak to our girls of their late grandfather who would have loved them so much had he lived long enough to see his grandchildren. My heart ached this very evening thinking of my father. How much he would have loved to have seen his family through the years. What a blessing it is to hear my sweet little daughter as she joyfully asks, "Are you going to be excited to see your daddy in heaven?" Oh what a joy it will be!
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As we prepared to read this book, I could not help but reflect upon a visit to the Liberty Bell that my family enjoyed when I was a young girl. My father loved our family dearly, and he loved our nation's history. He loved taking us to see the sights of some of our country's most honored places. And perhaps one of the things that I remember most is his love for finding a priceless remembrance of our trip. And they truly are priceless, these small souvenirs that have stayed with me all these years.
It has been a while since I last reflected on these special memories, but what a joy it is to now have this small remembrance of the Liberty Bell displayed in our bookcase once again. What a joy it has been to ring this little bell for our children to hear, the bell that many years ago was placed in my hands by my loving father. And how precious, even still, to be able to speak to our girls of their late grandfather who would have loved them so much had he lived long enough to see his grandchildren. My heart ached this very evening thinking of my father. How much he would have loved to have seen his family through the years. What a blessing it is to hear my sweet little daughter as she joyfully asks, "Are you going to be excited to see your daddy in heaven?" Oh what a joy it will be!
This was very moving, as you don't often speak of your Daddy. Thank you for sharing these memories.
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