PreachTeach: Blog by Erica

“What year is it?” was always the question I would get when I asked you how old you were. The year is 2014. Today you would be celebrating your 63rd birthday.

I’m sure you’re getting a kick out of all of us living under one roof again. While they have yet to admit it, Mom and Scott have moments where they miss peace and quiet (hard to blame them) but it’s nice to get to see each other every day. I know you’d love all of the kids’ stories, and their active lifestyle. Teeg talks about you daily, and yes, he still asks a million questions! Moo still likes to help out in the yard picking up sticks and whatever tasks we can give him, just like he did with you. Brooklynn is little miss independent, (which I’ve been told is a lot like me) so I know you’d love her. She sees your picture and says, “Papa!” (She also sees Steve Harvey on TV and thinks it’s her other papa!). They miss you, but it makes me proud that we all have so many happy memories with you that they will know you through those stories.

Birthdays are meant to be celebratory occasions, and today we do celebrate you. I love to see others post on your Facebook timeline and share a happy memory of you. It makes me smile and cry all at the same time. You had said after the loss of your job that the transition wouldn’t be easy. Little did you know your words would be advice for us now.

“I’d be lying if I would say it was easy. I don’t dwell on it, so they don’t dwell on it either,” Lynn said. “We’ll go forward from here.” (6/28/07 in the Iowa State Daily).

We promise not to dwell. But we do miss you and always will. We are moving forward but will never forget.

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Romans 12: 9-10

That was my daily Bible verse, first thing I read this morning and it made me think of you, Dad. A true and honest man!

Happy Birthday, Dad! Wish you were here.

XOXO- Erica

In honor of my dad, Coach Steve Lynn, my family and I have started the Steve Lynn Scholarship Fund in which we will provide a one-time financial donation to an Iowa high school track and field athlete who will be competing at the next level. We continually hear, “Coach took a chance on me. I wouldn’t be here without him.” We want to honor Coach Lynn and continue his legacy of providing opportunity. “Success Starts With A Chance.” 

A memorial race will be held in Ames this September 28th. You can run/walk or just donate as all funds go towards the scholarship. Register of Donate HERE.  Thank you for your continued love, prayers and support!