It was at least two months before Christmas when nine-year-old Almie Rose told her father and me that she wanted a new bicycle. As Christmas drew nearer, her desire for a bicycle seemed to fade, or so we thought. We purchased the latest rage, Baby-Sitter's Club dolls, and a doll house. Then, much to our surprise, On December 23rd, she said that she "really wanted a bike more than anything else."

It was just too late, what with all the details of preparing Christmas dinner and buying last minute gifts, to take the time to select the "right bike" for our little girl. So, here we were Christmas Eve around 9:00 p.m., with Almie Rose and her six-year-old brother, Dylan, nestled snug in their beds. We could now think only of the bicycle, the guilt, and being parents who would disappoint their child.

"What if I make a little bicycle out of clay and write a note that she could trade the clay model in for a real bike?" her dad asked. The theory being that since this is a high-ticket item and she is "such a big girl," it would be much better for her to pick it out. So he spent the next four hours painstakingly working with clay to create a miniature bike.

On Christmas morning, we were excited for Almie Rose to open the little heart-shaped package with the beautiful red and white clay bike and the note. Finally, she opened it and read the note aloud.

"Does this mean that I trade in this bike that Daddy made me for a real one?" Beaming, I said, "Yes."

Almie Rose had tears in her eyes when she replied, "I could never trade in this beautiful bicycle that Daddy made me. I'd rather keep this than get a real bike."

At that moment, her Daddy would have moved heaven and earth to buy her every bicycle on the planet!

By Michelle Lawrence

Father's Day.

Do you want to make this Father's Day special? Take some time to sit down and write a thank you for all the wonderful things that your Dad has done for you. Thank him for the toys that he stayed up late putting together just to surprise you on Christmas morning. Thank him for all the late night trips to the drugstore, the Doctor's offices, the grocery store, so you could feel better, be well or just go to bed happy.

Take the time to thank him for the sacrifices, the hours, the strength, he invested in providing a home, food on the table, clothes and a thousand other things that we needed while we were growing up.

Take time to tell him just how much you love and appreciate him for being your Dad. The tie, the little gift may not mean so much, but that note will be something he cherishes for all of his days.

If you are like me and your Dad is already gone before you to Heaven take time to thank the Living God for giving you a Dad who loved and cared for you.

Have a Great Father's Day and tell you Dad you love him!