With Fathers day coming up this weekend I thought it best to make a post about my Father. He is a J also. Though I will just refer to him as Dad from now on. Just so people don’t think I am talking in the third person, not that I do that.
I am lucky in life, probably luckier than most, I have a Dad that I can call 24 hours a day, I know this because I have tested the limits, I remember when I had my first apartment, I had gotten myself into a particular mess, I struggled and waited till about 3am, then drove to my parents house because I was going to be locked out of my apt. 3am, he asks if I am ok and whats wrong, not lectures, no yelling, just said yes, of course I will help. And that is what he did, next morning I had the money and it was never mentioned again. Even said that it must have been hard asking for help and that he was happy too. Pretty cool huh? That’s just the tip of the iceberg that is my Dad.
Between the ages of 13 and 16, he and I would go to movies, we would take turns picking, and by that I mean he let me choose most of the time unless it was just really something he didn’t wanna see. Video games were just being placed in theaters and he would leave early with me so we could play a game or 5 before the previews started, even occasionally playing a game himself. Then I would conveniently forget my wallet and he would pay for the movie, popcorn and drinks. We both know I had my wallet, it was just empty.
But when I really knew I had something special was when I was getting older, building my career, starting a family, buying a house. He was there, keeping an eye out for me, offering advice, not getting annoyed if I didn’t listen to him, if it didn’t work out he would help, if it did, he was happy. I guess what I am saying is that I have more than a dad, I have a friend. A best friend. I think what I have is special, I know it is special because we tell each other. If it is one thing that is not missing in our relationship it is the fact that we are each others biggest fans.
We call each other almost daily, and you can check the records of our phones that most conversations are less than a minute, it isn’t so much to actually talk, but just to take the time hear each others voice and know we are okay. And should we need more than a minute, time is always taken, always.
I remember when I was young, I came home from school and my mother had received flowers from him. I asked what they were for, she said, no reason, that is how you really know someone appreciates you. That impressed me, it set a precedent in the core of my being, I hope other children out there were affected by their parents that much. To this day I still try to make sure my wife knows I love and appreciate her, on non holidays.
So this weekend, pick up the phone, write a letter, or even email, if you parent knows how to respond (mine does because he has high speed internet). Even if its been years, weeks or days. Tell dad hi and that you love him. I know I will. I have other stories but I will save them. Expect to hear more about my Dad, he is pretty awesome.
So Dad, I know you know it, but I am going to say it again, I love you. You are a GREAT man, just remember, when you tell me how proud you are of me, know that you are one of the reasons I am successful, in Life, Work, Family, anything.
I love you Dad,
Happy Fathers Dad
J