By: Jaime Rafferty
In the spring of 2012 Amy Arnold Bellamy became a published author, along with her Daddy, at the release of “their” book, “Kentucky Family.”
Life changed for Amy Arnold Bellamy and family in spring of 2010.
Amy’s father, Pete passed away suddenly from a heart attack during a tennis match with friends.
Pete left behind his wife Gail and two grown children, Russ and Amy, Amy’s husband, Jason, and precious granddaughter Savannah.
Amy was “Daddy’s girl” and felt growing up in the Pete Arnold home was special. In fact, she boasts, “It was fun to be his daughter!”
Pete worked hard to be a good Dad, but also played hard with his children. He often said, “Russ and Amy, you are the best toys I’ve ever had.”
Amy can’t deny the characteristics she and Pete shared. Both outgoing and talkative, making their bond more iron clad. Both loved music, especially playing their instruments together. Both had an affinity for reading and writing, Amy became a middle school language arts teacher while Pete wrote songs and short stories.
Writing a book was on Amy’s “bucket list,” a list compiled at her dad’s encouragement. Pete wanted his girl to pursue her dreams; none were out of reach, so her list was long. He would affectionately tell her to “get busy.”
Amy shared her authoring aspirations with her Dad but was met with her own self-doubt. As her biggest fan, Pete urged that with God all things are possible.
With his passing, Amy realized both of their dreams. God gave her clarity as she would finally write that book that once seemed only a dream.
Amy began her “homework” compiling stories while also reaffirming a commitment to faith, family and fun that her dad instilled. With that in mind, a theme resonated she couldn’t overlook– Pete was just a good ole’ boy that loved the Lord, his family and life. It may not be fancy, but it’s funny and faith filled.
This lives on in those who knew Pete and now those who want know him, thanks to his daughter.
In the spring of 2012 Amy Arnold Bellamy became a published author, along with her Daddy, at the release of “their” book, “Kentucky Family.”
Readers may shed a tear recounting Pete’s sudden death, but moments later Amy provides his humorous retelling of boyhood antics with his brothers like flying a paper airplane, on fire, into a pile of clothes, while Mom wasn’t home.
Amy shares, how moments before walking the aisle to be married, her bridesmaids have a giggling fit. Worried she had something out of place that could cause embarrassment, she inquires about their laughter, only to turn and see her daddy in a clown nose, lovingly reminding her that she told him his job for the day was to make sure there were no tears. He had done his job!
Even in death God is using Pete’s gifts to provide laughter.
As funny as he was, Pete was serious about raising children who loved the Lord and respect others. Being raised by a single mother helped him become a better husband and father. He wasn’t too prideful to admit he didn’t have all the answers.
Amy recalled a time in teen angst she behaved badly and Pete had to address the situation. In broken honesty he told his daughter, “I don’t have a dad – sometimes I don’t know what I’m doing and you’ve got to help me out.”
It’s this vulnerability provided by Amy (and Pete) that gives a glimpse into the life of a real family. By the last page, every person may wish they too would have grown up an Arnold.
Feelings surrounding her father’s passing are still “fresh” for Amy, but being raised by him was an honor, and she is thankful for the time he was in her life.
They never left anything unsaid, including “I love you.” Her book is just another “I love you” to her parents, brother, her husband and daughter.
Pete kept his love for God, his wife and children alive through the memories he left in their hearts and on paper. Amy gives readers the opportunity to know the daddy who encouraged her, guided her and took time to show her how to live a faith-filled yet fun life in marriage and parenthood.
Life growing up as an Arnold wasn’t perfect, but Pete tried to give the family nothing but his best, a goal his daughter also has now. Amy would agree, it was close enough to perfect for her because she learned about what really matters in life from being her Daddy’s girl!
For more information about “Kentucky Family,”
please contact Amy at [email protected] or at www.amazon.com.