Day 170 - My Dad

For those of you who don't know me personally, my dad has been my best bud my whole life. I imagine that when I came out of the womb we went straight to lunch at McDonalds, the bookstore and then ran some errands (which was our usual Saturday routine). I grew up with lots of fun and excitement from shopping at the mall to camping and hot air ballooning. I had the best childhood possible and my dad was there every step of the way.

But, besides all of the amazing things that I did and toys that I had, those aren't the most prominent things that I think of when it comes to my dad. My dad ALWAYS encouraged me, guided me, lived by example, listened, was available, let me make my own decisions, put my needs first, supported my decisions, cheered me on, forgave me and loved me unconditionally. He NEVER apologized for my weaknesses, coddled me too much, pushed me too hard, abandoned me, criticized me or ignored me. When depression entered my life at 17 years old he didn't run out of fear or make excuses, he listened and he let me get the help I needed, even though he had to hear some uncomfortable things. And, as I grew older he let me share so many issues with him without judgment. When I went to college, he called me almost every day on my time, not his. And still to this day I can call him and no matter where he is or what he is doing, he will pick up the phone and talk, big business meeting and all. My dad is amazing and knowing all of those characteristics above makes me strive to be a better person. He has given up a lot of his life, so that I could thrive.

On a day like Father's Day I think about how lucky I am to have such an amazing earthly father. How lucky I am to learn about God and living a Christian life through him. It makes it so much easier to believe in a Heavenly Father when you understand what unconditional love from your own father is. My dad is my rock and my best friend. I can only hope that I can give my children the kind of foundation that he has given me and become the kind of friend and role model as he has been to so many people in his life. I know that today can be hard for so many and that you may not have had a father like mine, but you do have a Heavenly Father who loves you unconditionally and who can help you be the kind of person and parent my dad has been. Living a life of faith and servitude allows us to be more than we could ever imagine. I can only hope to be partly as amazing and touch as many lives as my dad has.

Happy Father's Day Daddy, I love you.