There is so much I could write about my Dad. I know he would like to think that I got all my good qualities from my Mom but I think I got a few from him as well. This is what I would like to share with you about my Dad.
I'm a fairly passionate person, I feel things deeply and am fairly demonstrative when I want to be. That is no secret...lol. Like it could be! I think I got a little of that from him for sure!
I've learned alot over forty five years from and about him.
I've learned that strength isn't just a physical attribute, though at sixty- eight he can still out lift most men half his age at the gym. I've learned that strength of character is even more important. My father has taught me that no matter how weak you feel, God will always fill you with enough strength to go on.
He's taught me to respect my elders and respect myself. To protect those who can't protect themselves.
To honor my family, my friends, myself and most of all God.
He's taught me not to judge people by first impressions.
He's taught me that it's never too late to draw closer to God.
He's taught me to be sure of who I give my heart to.
He pursued a career that wasn't his first choice because he just needed to get busy providing for his family. With hard work and determination that most people don't naturally possess he became one of the best in his field. Respected so highly by the men he led they almost staged a revolt when he left one particular company.
He's taught me that I could do anything I desired to do but give 100% and be the best you could be at what ever I chose to do.
He's tough, and he's had to be. He's taught me to be accountable. To take ownership of my mistakes, apologise when you need to.
He's taught me when you get hurt or knocked down to pick yourself up, dust yourself off , lift your head up and keep moving forward.
He's taught me life is about choices. He's always tried to "guide " me to make the right ones but in my stubbornness I've insisted on making my own choices. Sometimes not always turning out well. He's taught me to learn from them and move on.
I remember Sunday drives, brunch after church, camping trips and long relaxing afternoons fishing on a calm lake with my Dad and brother.
I remember after one of those fishing trips, my Dad driving for what seemed like hours over just one more hill to chase a rainbow to see if we could see the end of it.
I remember the long drive to Manitoba to visit my dying Grandmother (his Mom), and how we really got to know each other on a whole different level.
I saw the love and respect he had for her and how she loved and cherished him.
He continues to amaze me with his ability to adapt to any situation. To retirement, to becoming a Grandfather, to gardening, to doing ALL the renovations in our basement from electrical to plumbing to drywall ( he hates drywall) to carpentry to laying linoleum and painting to finishing work. To having incredible patience with city building inspectors. lol. That last one was VERY impressive!
The thing that impresses me most is how he's pursued his relationship with God with the same passion and determination he gave to everything else. He's given 100% to that too.
I know he wishes he had done some things differently over the years but it's exactly those choices that fuel his passions now. In that he's taught me the greatest lesson.
It's never too late to get on the right track and start moving forward.
So Dad, you see you've taught me alot, and will continue to I'm sure!
You've given me strength, respect, honor and love... with the greatest of these is Love.
Happy Father's day to you Dad! I love and respect you so much!
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