;)
June 15th, 2016
He’s never asked me for a thing and he’s never given me false expectations. Rather, he’s taught me a few things and he taught me with consistency. He taught me with discipline and he taught with love. He taught me honesty. Why? Because no matter how hard and tempting it can be from time-to-time, honesty and ethics builds credibility. He taught me that at the end of the day, you can look in the mirror and know you did the right thing. Sometimes that makes for a rough journey, but it’s the only way.
He taught me responsibility. He taught me that we all have choices in life and no matter the choice we make, we must be responsible and remain responsible for that choice. Walking away is not an option. You make the best of the situation. Don’t blame others. Responsibility leads to accountability.He taught me to be reliable. Be the person someone can count on even if you can’t always count on others. Follow through and be trustworthy.
He taught me that I have to work hard and keep my nose to the grindstone. He taught me to set goals and keep those goals high. Maybe re-arrange them from time to time, but never give up. He taught me that even when I do these things, the world may still not always be kind and that I will always have to face those challenges, but I can do it with a strong backbone.
Even though he taught me these things, I didn’t always listen. There were times I gave him a run for his money. I made him throw his hands up in the air and say, “Where did I go wrong?” He even drove me to church in my hot rollers once because I was dillydallying. He was not going to miss it and neither was I! Regardless, this wise man has loved me unconditionally.
Who is this man?
My Father.
I am a grown woman who, still to this day, when I am sad, afraid, concerned and need direction, I look to him. He has never steered me wrong, nor will he ever.
My father recently turned 71 years old. He works and looks like he is much younger and can work as hard as a 20-year-old. He still takes exceptional care of himself and he never complains. He isn’t a father who is always hugging and telling you he loves you. He is a father who shows you his love.
My father still checks on me to see if I need anything. Sometimes I call and, in the conversation, I may mention something is amiss with an appliance, my car or the yard, and complain because my husband won’t be home until late and here I am with another thing I have to deal with and next thing you know, he shows up. He just says it’s no big deal. He always shows up no matter what.
My father has always been my greatest strength in this world. He has taught his children by showing them an example that never wavered.
I know how lucky I am to have my father alive, in good health and able to engage in the lives of his children and grandchildren, something that many fathers never get to do perhaps because they can’t retire or because of an illness. My dad has been a pillar of support from the day he married my mother and started our family. Family has always been the single most important thing this man has ever had. I try to let my father know how much we love him, how lucky we are to be his children and how thankful we are for his guidance.
My father spends no moment idly. He spent years working long, hard days and driving quite a distance to make an income that would allow him to comfortably provide for us in this Valley. As a child, you don’t realize how long and grueling it can be to leave the house at 5:30 a.m. and get home after 7 p.m., only to attend one of the children’s activities or work on a home project. It continued once he became a grandfather. He told me one day I would learn, one day I would understand and he was right. The sacrifices he has made for our family have not been fruitless.
My dad means the world to me and to my children. This weekend is only a symbolic day to appreciate our fathers, but we need to cherish every day we have with them.
Thanks, Dad, for everything. May you have a wonderful Father’s Day and know I am the luckiest girl alive!
Happy Father’s Day to All!
