A Father's Legacy to his daughter.

How can I adequately describe what a privilege it has been to be the daughter of Paul Pulliam! Dad’s gracious living out of God’s love and care has shaped me in every way.

As a child, one of my earliest memories was lying on the living room carpet watching Daddy conduct a symphony on the stereo.  He would walk back and forth, conducting, transported by the complexity and beauty of the music. That instilled a love of music in me. Many years later, God would bring Dad here to First Presbyterian Church, where the music program became a great source of spiritual refreshment and pleasure for him. In his later years, much to his sorrow, Daddy became profoundly deaf and could no longer enjoy music.  Today I rejoice that he is now whole and able to enjoy exquisite music in heaven!

One of the most difficult times in my life was when our first daughter, Heather, was born. I was six months pregnant, when I began having contractions. I called the doctor and he wasn’t overly concerned but said to go to the hospital for a check. Two hours later, Heather was born! She was so small at less than 2 ? lbs. and by the frantic activity of staff, I knew she was in grave crisis.  A team of doctors flew down from Mt. Zion Medical Center in San Francisco and they placed Heather in a coffin-like module, with many tubes and alarms attached to her tiny body. They explained it would be a miracle if she arrived in San Francisco alive. David and I were allowed to touch her one last time before they whisked her away. 

When I was finally alone in my room, I desperately wanted to connect with my parents. I called home and Ian said they had gone to Borrego Springs. It was 3:30 AM, when I finally got through to their hotel room. The minute I heard Dad’s voice, all my bravery dissolved, and I completely broke down, sobbing. I told him what had happened and that I didn’t think Heather would make it. He was so incredibly compassionate and gentle and encouraging. He prayed with me and assured me that God was with us and we needed to trust Him against all odds. He said he and Mom would come immediately. I have never forgotten the sound of his voice and the courage God poured into my soul through Dad’s strong faith. 

One of the most precious times in my life was when David and I moved down to San Diego and lived with Mom and Dad for five years, while we both attended Westminster Seminary. David became the Youth Director at FPC, while Heather had the privilege of growing up with my parents and attending City Tree. Partnering with  Dad in ministry, as well as living at home, I was again struck that he lived his life as in service to others. Whether it was feeding a homeless man downtown or helping Mom with dishes, Dad was cheerfully engaged, genuinely interested in the other person, seasoning everything with much laughter and joy. 

Dad has always had an insatiable curiosity and loved to share it with friends or strangers. My parent’s home was graced with a constant parade of dear friends from all over the world, who were welcomed warmly. Although Dad never made much money, he was wealthy in friendships!

Dad was determined to experience and savor life! He was a perpetual learner and was fearless in tackling anything new. He was an avid jogger and loved hiking. He learned sailing, water skiing, roller blading, and on his 85th Birthday jumped out of an airplane skydiving! He loved the ocean and mastered boogie boarding, riding the waves in triumph. 

In all that he did, Dad’s life was characterized by a passionate certainty in the reality of Almighty God. He saw the universe as a grand expression of the vast Personhood of God, from the complexity of a tiny organism to the massive scale of galaxies, all created in a delicate, balanced relationship; all sustained literally by the breath and imagination of God. His passion was that all people might know of God’s radical love for them. That is why Dad poured his life into loving people, that everyone he touched would have a small taste of a Divine encounter. 

I don’t know if there is one-way glass in heaven or if Dad is watching all of us now, but if so, Thank You, Thank you, Daddy, for who you are and all the tender care you gave to each of us! I love you!  

(Pic is of granddad visiting his great grandsons.)