Dear Lydia Marie Pitts,
Most of the time, I call you Lydia (though often it is Hannah or Abigail or Rebekah first!), so I have addressed this with your full name with full knowledge it will be one of the last times I have the opportunity to do so. In less than a month, you will be married; before the summer is over, you will be living in Asia, if the Lord brings to fruition the plans you have made. I remember with joy the early years of your life; you were dedicated in worship on a Mother’s Day just two days after you were born on the way home from the hospital. (I don’t guess I will ever live that one down, letting your mom leave the hospital with her mom and dad and you while I was at the church building, preparing for the service.) I remember reading to you and Hannah after lunch while putting you down for your nap. I recall the “Dewey” stories we would often share at night and the times I would awaken to find you standing next to the bed, wanting to crawl in with us for a while.
As the years went by, there was ballet, softball, soccer, and music. More than anything else, I am excited and blessed to remember your decision early in life to follow Jesus. You always sensed a call toward missions, and we have tried to encourage that in whatever way God would make that more clear over time. He has now done so.
God has given us wonderful years together; this last year with your work here as a volunteer intern has been special. I have not only seen first hand more of how well you work with children; I have heard first hand from so many about how others see that as well. (So I know it is more than just father-bias!) The next months will bring so many changes—your upcoming wedding, your move to Asia, your likely absence at Thanksgiving and Christmas, your next birthday being celebrated by Skype. On the upside, there will be a clean room and one less car for insurance. But, as cheap as I am, I would rather have you. Not only as your father but also on behalf of this church you have served so well I say to you, “Thanks for sharing your gifts with us this past year as an intern!”
Go with God, Lydia. We love you.
Dad
