Happy Father's Day Dad

They say that you do not truly see your parents until you become a parent yourself. I find that this is so true. Now that I have two kids, I see my dad through new eyes. There are so many things that I could reflect on about my dad, but the there are a few that stand out the most. My dad always put family first. Sports, work, friends, television, etc. never stood before family time. My dad was a solid figure my whole childhood and he always was available on the weekend for sporting events or family day trips despite the tedium and stress of his job. Thank you dad for pursuing the interests of your family before your own!!

The funnest thing about my dad was his love of the outdoors and his ability to find the off the beaten path places. Even though we didn't go on the most exclusive vacations; we always went on the most exciting - a four week roadtrip through Mexico that included an open air beach house and a jungle cruise; jet boats and crabbing in Oregon; sasafras and gold hunting in Northern California, and camping in Tualami (?) Meadows. Even though we went to Hawaii twice; my favorite vacations were the road trips. What adventures we had!! I have so many special memories from childhood vacations, Sunday day trips, etc. I can't wait to share my dad's love of the outdoors/ adventure with my children.

Finally, my dad taught me a very rare lesson; that of financial responsibility. My dad managed to support a family of five and put three kids through almost fourteen years of college. It wasn't easy though. He once made a comment that he coveted the candy machine at work for twenty years. I would have rolled my eyes as a kid, but now I see the truth. My dad made more financial sacrifices for his family than any person I have ever met in my life. Any extra money went into savings for our college or went to very expensive pursuits like private school, mountain bike lessons, art lessons, etc. Despite a two year lay off he had planned ahead and was able to continue to support his family. I see how much was sacrificed and how horribly unappreciative I was in my teenage years and beyond. Thank you dad for showing me how to sacrifice and how to be wise with my spending. I love you dad!