As I sit here this Father’s Day, it just feels a little different. I think the reason this year is feeling different is I am on the verge (4 weeks or less) of becoming a parent myself and I’m starting to experience firsthand the love that only a parent knows. All I have is a fuzzy black and white ultrasound picture of our little girl, but the amount of love I have for her is almost overwhelming!
As I think back on growing up with the dad I have, there are several lessons he taught me that I hope to teach to our daughter.
I remember my dad always agreeing (after we volunteered him) to bring the Christmas tree to my class every year. I was always so proud when he showed up to my class carrying the tree we cut from our farm. He taught me the importance of doing something for other people.
I remember him fixing my hair in pig tails for school…with rubber bands from the newspaper hanging on his gear shift. He taught me how to improvise when you have no clue what you’re doing.
I remember going to Little Rock to pick up my first horse, T-Bone. He put me on the horse for a test ride. It made me feel like he really wanted my opinion. He taught me how important it is to value the input of others.
I remember when he would wear cutoff overalls without a shirt and cowboy boots. He taught me to have my own style without caring what others thought.
I remember when I was a cheerleader and played tennis in high school, he came to all my games. There is seriously not a single game I can think of that at least him or my mom weren’t there. They taught me that making a sacrifice in your own schedule can mean the world to someone else.
I remember working many summers with my dad on different construction projects. He taught me to have a strong work ethic and to not cut corners.
I remember the day he went out to look for my yellow lab, Ally, who had gone missing. He came back after just a few minutes and started working on the wooden fence he was building. I knew immediately what he found and knew it wasn't good. That was the first time I’d ever seen him shed a tear. He taught me that it’s ok for even the strongest people to cry.
I remember when he picked up from the Denver airport after I had gotten a tattoo. He didn’t utter a word the whole way home, but I just knew he was disappointed. Here I am now wanting to have that tattoo removed. He taught me the importance of using better judgement and to think of the long-term effects before making a decision.
I remember when each of my grandparents passed away. He took great care of them and did everything to carry out their very last wish. I witnessed him be the greatest son and son-in-law. He taught me the importance of honoring your parents.
I could go on and on because the past 33 years have been jammed packed with wonderful experiences with my dad. As I think back over each of these memories, there’s one common denominator. He was there.
He was (and still is) there. Every. Single. Day.
That’s the greatest lesson that I hope Richard and I show our Ruby Ann. Just be present. The memories created mean the most and last a lifetime.
Happy Father’s Day!
