Happy Birthday, Daddy!

August 15th is always a special day for me. It's my Daddy's birthday.


This is my dad, Herschel B. Dean. Around his community, as long as I can remember, he's been known as the favorite, most talked about doctor, Dr. Dean.. EVERYWHERE he goes. EVERYONE knows Dr. Dean. I've always believed that it is because he is one of the most devoted men I've ever known.

My dad is devoted to his family, his church and his patients. I've never seen him treat anyone with less dignity and respect than another, and he's always been welcoming to anyone who wants his company. Especially my boys! Cort loves his Pop and requires him to play ball with him everytime they're together. It's become a thing with the two of them to make sure that whereever we are meeting up, they each have a glove. Cort always looks forward to playing with Pop.

Because of my dad's schedule growing up and the demands on physicians years back, we didn't get as much time together on a weekly basis as I would have liked. I know it's because my dad was working hard to meet the needs of four kids, a wife and a huge load of patients. I've always respected that work ethic in him and never more than I do now having a family of my own. I will always appreciate my dad's desire to make sure that we had everything we needed growing up, his willingness to load us into a Ford Conversion Van and drive us all over America to see all the wonderful things America has to offer on his only weeks off, and his gracious heart in working hard so I could attend Baylor debt free.


Most of all, the love he has for the Lord shines through his life. In EVERY aspect of his life. It's obvious to all who know him, and especially those who know him best and see his heart. He is a a fantastic example of the Lord. More than anything I can ever say about my childhood, I thank my Daddy for being a true, honest, follower of Christ and setting the mark for me in what that looks like. For that, I am very grateful! I love you, Daddy! Happy Birthday!

The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him.
Proverbs 20:7