My dad, my hero
I don’t have a good recent picture of my dad and I, which is something I need to correct. However, there is a pic over there ————–>
of my dad with President Bush, which is pretty darn cool. They look like they’re having a great chat.
My dad has always been my hero, for a variety of reasons. When I was growing up he was the most patient man ever to have lived. He never got frustrated, never got nervous, never yelled because he was having a bad day. (I wish I could say the same about myself)
He took me everywhere with him. Every time dad ran to Pochran’s hardware store, I was in the truck beside him. Also he frequently bought Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups on said trips. Why my sisters never thought to tag along is really beyond me.
He spent hours trying to teach me math. When the time came for trig and calculus he sat at the kitchen table for many late nights that often ended in tears (mine, not his) when I just couldn’t get it. By the time college ran around I think he finally gave up on me, and he just did my calculus homework for me. I got a C in that class thanks ONLY to his work, and I am eternally grateful to never have to go through that again.
He taught me to drive a stick shift with that same patience. This is one of the rare instances where I remember dad seeming slightly frustrated. He never yelled; I can say that only because he wasn’t exactly rushing to take me out the next time. Which is why my mom took me. And then I caught on and drove all the way home, and she got the glory. But it’s ok dad. I know that the days (or was it weeks?) that you put in made it possible. 
He drove 7 hours to move me home from college on a day’s notice. He never questioned me when I said I didn’t want to talk about it. He was always supportive when I made the decision to go back to that boyfriend I once called ‘the biggest mistake of my life’. (maybe he knew that boyfriend would turn out to be the fabulous husband and father he is today!)
He worked in he same field for almost his whole adult life. Then after retirement he’s explored lots of new avenues, trying new things and owning a few businesses. I love that he’s adventurous enough to branch out like this.
He is an amazing PapPap to my daughters. He brings them treats almost daily, he always has hugs and kisses on the ready, and he’s available for playdates anytime. He buys slip-n-slides and big wheels and is a great customer at lemonade stands. And he gives them his time and his attention, which is the best gift of all. It warms my heart to hear them call, ‘PapPap!’ and go running to him with their arms flung wide.
And most importantly, he has been a wonderful role model. He modeled patience and kindness. He treats my mother like a queen, and told us girls to expect no less from our own husbands. Thanks for setting the bar so high dad.
I believe that our earthly fathers, ideally, should give us a glimpse of our Heavenly Father, and my Dad has definitely done that for me. His strength, his gentleness, his moral conviction, and his absolute dedication to God and to our family – I see my Heavenly Father in all of those things. And I am so thankful to have been blessed with both of my Fathers. I am truly lucky.
Tags: dad, Father's Day, hero, memories
Family & Friends | Heather June 15, 2008 | 
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