For My Dad

I struggle each year to come up with a suitable Father's Day gift for my dad. I want him to love the gift I give him - I want it to remind him of me when he sees it - I want it to convey how much I love him and how thankful I am that he is my dad. Occasionally, I come up with something great (like the canvas I made him with the picture of the two of us on his favorite motorcycle) but more often than not I give him a card - not because I have deemed it a suitable gift but because I finally run out of time and am left with no other options. This year was no different. Just this morning I was thinking "I should pick out a card for Dad..." having given up on coming up with a clever gift. And then it came to me - I could dedicate my next blog entry to him - I could tell the world (or at least the three other people who read my blog) how great he is and how much I love him.

This is for you, Dad.

My dad is the best dad (no bias). I am blessed to have him. He has done more to shape me into the person I have become than anyone else - even my mom (though she is a VERY close second). His love, encouragement, protection and sacrifice have made it easy for me to relate to my Heavenly Father and to develop a personal relationship with Him that has given me meaning and purpose in this life and has secured my place in eternity. This alone makes him the best dad and explains his profound effect on who I have become - but there is more.

When I was little - every night before I went to bed he would tell me three things - You're smart, You're beautiful and I love you. What more could a girl need? He went to my programs, concerts and recitals - even though he dreaded sitting through the entire show just to see me. Somehow knowing how much he dreaded being there made his presence that much more special. He is honest with me. He will tell me if an outfit makes me look fat or if I've put on a few pounds and should maybe cut back on the ice cream. More often than not he tells me I look great - and knowing he would tell me if I didn't makes his words that much more meaningful. He believes I can do anything - and expects me to accomplish all I set out to do. He is always encouraging and never surprised when I succeed. I could go on and on and on - talking about confidence and self respect and love and modeling for me how men should treat women - but I need to save some material for next Father's Day. : )

My sister and I once asked my dad how he did it - what was the secret to raising healthy, balanced kids that turn into healthy, balanced adults? I will never forget this part of his answer. He said "You're always a parent - you don't start when your child is 3 or stop when they turn 18." It brings me great comfort to know he will never stop being my dad.