I know many of you haven’t heard from me for a time. This blog is called “Grace to Grow Daily” so I feel a little bad about not writing, for so long. This is my Dad. His name was Jack Swensen, and for all who knew him, he was quite the mystery sometimes. He told me one time, “Maybe I’ll 

write my memoires one day.” He Loved Racing, and he loved cars, especially Mopar engines. He was a fine mechanic and a good friend to a chosen few. They used to call him “Smilin’ Jack” a long time ago, and he was always smiling, I’ll give him that. 

While my Dad and I had our differences through the years, I always loved him. I can’t say I understood him very often, but love him I did, and I think deep down, he loved me as well. I know one time, he shot a dog in the behind because it came after me and scared me (with a pellet gun) and the cops came and said “do not do that again”. He said, “If it goes after my daughter, I will do it again.” 

He was supportive of my guitar playing and music, always asking me to do a song for him when I came to visit him. He loved Chicken, Pizza, Nascar, All kinds of racing, and collecting coins at the end. 

He didn’t treat me like his little princess, so much of the time I felt like he didn’t love me or want me, I must admit. In the end, I understood he didn’t know how to love me, because he really never experienced God’s love for himself. 

I just never knew (never knew) my friends, that losing a parent could be so difficult if you didn’t feel that close to them, really. I had no idea. There is a hole in my heart now, where Dad used to be. I must pray God fills that hole with himself, lest I spend my life in mourning. Father, would you please fill this empty space in my heart with you? Only you know what I need most Father……come Holy Spirit, fill my heart I pray with your goodness, kindness, love and blessings that can only come from you. 

In Jesus’ name….amen PS: I loved you Dad.