As many of us know that is and was one of the most classic movie lines from Star Wars. Where Darth Vader - the super villain, reveals to noble Luke Skywalker that he is in fact Luke's Father. A twist many didn't see coming mostly because Luke was there to kill Vader, but after this revelation Luke has second thoughts.
Now I know what you're thinking ... seriously ... we're goin with a Star Wars synopsis? Yeah well no, but kinda. It's more or less a really good quote for Fathers. But in all seriousness Fathers come every which kinda way. The great, the good, the bad and the ugly. Which should make each and every one of us that much more appreciative if we didn't have the latter.
My dad? My dad was great. He didn't really do the baby thing, and for that I have empathy for my mom. BUT he was extremely active in our little league and up years especially when it came to sports. He coached two of my softball teams, a basketball team and coached my brothers in soccer. He helped me learn how to pray and made me compassionate for others. He taught me about money, how to spot a scam and how to drive - God bless him for that.
My dad has his faults, as all dads do. But one thing I commend him for is always trying. He has always tried to do his best for us. Falling short sometimes as all parents must, but making the honest and true effort to mold and shape his children's lives for the better. Teaching respect, honesty, loyalty, trustworthiness, kindness, compassion, caring, empathy, sympathy, faithfulness and even good sportsmanship. Things I'm truly grateful for.
My dad smoked from the time he was 16 til ... well I'm not even entirely sure, 40's I think. But he hid it from us when we were little. He's 100% German so naturally he's more bull headed than an actual bull and nothing anyone would tell him made any kind of difference in his willingness to quit. He liked smoking and everyone has to die sometime right?! (Truly his standpoint ... not lying) Until one day my mom came to him and said what about the kids. Don't you want to be there for them? My dad quit smoking for me. Now I realize that's nothing to you, but to me that says a lot. He loves me more than he loves himself.
He also told me awhile ago that when my brothers and I were born, very close together I might add, he made a commitment that every Salvation Army bucket he passed he would give money to. And every single year since he has lived up to that commitment. One day he was on his way into a store that had the bell ringer out in front and he realized he had no cash. Not even a penny. He drove all the way home, got money and came back JUST so he wouldn't pass the bucket without giving. These are lessons I take serious mental note both as an adult and as a parent. Compassion for the homeless which I have seen him give to. Making the effort to not donate food to food banks that he wouldn't eat himself. "Just because they have less than I do doesn't mean they have to eat that way." Awww dad.
Some other qualities I get from my dad, his looks - round face and mousy blond hair, I'm 28 and I look like I'm 16, I'll thank him in my later years. His temper and absolute bull stubbornness, his boisterous voice and extremely outgoing personality. My dad is the guy who talks to the high school basketball team like they know him. He's also the guy who knows someone LITERALLY everywhere we go - and I mean LITERALLY. My dad is the only voice I could ever hear when swimming. When you're in the water all voices sound the same and they're all blurred ... not my dad! He would yell as loud as he could - KICK IT UP CHRISTIE!!! GO GO GO!! And daggummit I would give it all I had when I could hear that. Even if I didn't actually go faster, it felt like I did.
I always loved him for his support for a sport he was neither familiar or fond of. My dad is a basketball, baseball, football guy ... there is not swimming in there. But he came, paid attention, cheered, kept track of times ... because he cared. I wasn't the best, I didn't go to states or anything extra special, but geez oh man if my dad didn't treat me like I did. I still have a little plaque he had made for me in high school that says - "You're #1 in my heart." Dang dad! Way to tug at the ole heart strings!! I made him proud even if I didn't win everything. Grateful.
I also got his corny sense of humor, not as grateful, and his love for classic cars. All things I hope to someday pass to my daughter. My dad loved, and laughed with us. Made up silly games for us. He's the reason I dry my hair the way I do, the reason I don't throw like a girl, and the reason I give my all in all I do.
So many of these qualities I see in my husband and it makes my heart sing to know he will be a great dad like my dad. Teaching her things like, how to turn a wrench, rub a little dirt on it, and to always think through the problem. Thankful.
I love my dad. He's always been there for me through the tough, the awesome, the rough, the great and the giggly. Thanks for helping to shape me into a good human being dad. I hope through it all, I make you proud.
Happy Father's Day to the good one's out there. You work hard, and trust me, it pays off. You're loved, you're appreciated, and here's to hoping that springs forth more good dads. CHEERS!
Now I know what you're thinking ... seriously ... we're goin with a Star Wars synopsis? Yeah well no, but kinda. It's more or less a really good quote for Fathers. But in all seriousness Fathers come every which kinda way. The great, the good, the bad and the ugly. Which should make each and every one of us that much more appreciative if we didn't have the latter.
My dad? My dad was great. He didn't really do the baby thing, and for that I have empathy for my mom. BUT he was extremely active in our little league and up years especially when it came to sports. He coached two of my softball teams, a basketball team and coached my brothers in soccer. He helped me learn how to pray and made me compassionate for others. He taught me about money, how to spot a scam and how to drive - God bless him for that.
My dad has his faults, as all dads do. But one thing I commend him for is always trying. He has always tried to do his best for us. Falling short sometimes as all parents must, but making the honest and true effort to mold and shape his children's lives for the better. Teaching respect, honesty, loyalty, trustworthiness, kindness, compassion, caring, empathy, sympathy, faithfulness and even good sportsmanship. Things I'm truly grateful for.
My dad smoked from the time he was 16 til ... well I'm not even entirely sure, 40's I think. But he hid it from us when we were little. He's 100% German so naturally he's more bull headed than an actual bull and nothing anyone would tell him made any kind of difference in his willingness to quit. He liked smoking and everyone has to die sometime right?! (Truly his standpoint ... not lying) Until one day my mom came to him and said what about the kids. Don't you want to be there for them? My dad quit smoking for me. Now I realize that's nothing to you, but to me that says a lot. He loves me more than he loves himself.
He also told me awhile ago that when my brothers and I were born, very close together I might add, he made a commitment that every Salvation Army bucket he passed he would give money to. And every single year since he has lived up to that commitment. One day he was on his way into a store that had the bell ringer out in front and he realized he had no cash. Not even a penny. He drove all the way home, got money and came back JUST so he wouldn't pass the bucket without giving. These are lessons I take serious mental note both as an adult and as a parent. Compassion for the homeless which I have seen him give to. Making the effort to not donate food to food banks that he wouldn't eat himself. "Just because they have less than I do doesn't mean they have to eat that way." Awww dad.
Some other qualities I get from my dad, his looks - round face and mousy blond hair, I'm 28 and I look like I'm 16, I'll thank him in my later years. His temper and absolute bull stubbornness, his boisterous voice and extremely outgoing personality. My dad is the guy who talks to the high school basketball team like they know him. He's also the guy who knows someone LITERALLY everywhere we go - and I mean LITERALLY. My dad is the only voice I could ever hear when swimming. When you're in the water all voices sound the same and they're all blurred ... not my dad! He would yell as loud as he could - KICK IT UP CHRISTIE!!! GO GO GO!! And daggummit I would give it all I had when I could hear that. Even if I didn't actually go faster, it felt like I did.
I always loved him for his support for a sport he was neither familiar or fond of. My dad is a basketball, baseball, football guy ... there is not swimming in there. But he came, paid attention, cheered, kept track of times ... because he cared. I wasn't the best, I didn't go to states or anything extra special, but geez oh man if my dad didn't treat me like I did. I still have a little plaque he had made for me in high school that says - "You're #1 in my heart." Dang dad! Way to tug at the ole heart strings!! I made him proud even if I didn't win everything. Grateful.
I also got his corny sense of humor, not as grateful, and his love for classic cars. All things I hope to someday pass to my daughter. My dad loved, and laughed with us. Made up silly games for us. He's the reason I dry my hair the way I do, the reason I don't throw like a girl, and the reason I give my all in all I do.
So many of these qualities I see in my husband and it makes my heart sing to know he will be a great dad like my dad. Teaching her things like, how to turn a wrench, rub a little dirt on it, and to always think through the problem. Thankful.
I love my dad. He's always been there for me through the tough, the awesome, the rough, the great and the giggly. Thanks for helping to shape me into a good human being dad. I hope through it all, I make you proud.
Happy Father's Day to the good one's out there. You work hard, and trust me, it pays off. You're loved, you're appreciated, and here's to hoping that springs forth more good dads. CHEERS!
No comments:
Post a Comment
Disagree? Agree? Have more info? Wanna punch me in the face? Tell me!