The Latter-day Life

I think about my dad a lot. More than ever since I’ve been married, had two kids, and have a home of my own. Growing up, my dad would wake up early in the morning and go to work, work all day, then come home and work on projects around the house. It seemed like he never quit. There was always something to do. I wondered how that was possible.

Now I know…

My personal to-do list regularly gets shorter, but it’s surely never completed. There is always something that needs to be done whether it be in the yard, around the house, with the kids, with the cars, bills. The list itself is nearly never-ending.

But no matter what it is that I’m working on, I regularly, and nearly always, ask, “How would Dad do this?” or “What would Dad do if he were in this situation?”

My dad is the jack of all trades. He literally can (and does) do it all. You name it, he’s probably done it, or at least knows about it. To have him as a resource is invaluable to say the least. And what’s more, he’s always happy to help with advice, suggestions, and when he comes to visit, literally, help. In short, he cares enough to treat my projects like they were his own.

I couldn’t be more proud of my dad. He’s my hero. From the little league days playing catch in the yard to helping me maintain a yard of my own, he’s always been supportive. He loves my sister and I more than words. He loves my mom and treats her like a queen. He is his grandson’s “best buddy.” His example of love of country and patriotism runs deep within me.

Father is an important and rather special title to hold. I didn’t understand until I joined the club two and a half years ago. Father is a title that we share with our Creator. To be a father is to be a provider, a teacher, a protector, a mentor, a counselor, a coach, and a friend. I am the man I am today because of the things my father taught me by example, things his father taught him, and so on. Generations of good examples passing on life’s lessons and skills to help us provide for and protect our families is what fatherhood is all about.

So today I thank my dad for teaching me how to do the job right the first time, to take care of my things, to put away my stuff when I’m done so nothing gets lost, how to fish and tie my fishing knots, and so much more.

I love you, Dad.

Happy Fathers Day