It’s been almost 13 years since my dad passed away. He’s still around though because I see him staring back at me from the mirror every morning. I look like my dad though my character comes more from my mom.
I’ve been the carpenter’s helper in my remodel. One day, after a long day of work, as we were unloading some materials from the truck, he remarked that I was a hard worker. Without even thinking I replied that I learned to work from my mom. Whenever I get up and do something I don’t want to do, after already having a long day, it’s because I saw my mom do that over and over. She was the one we all went to if we needed something done.
But my dad was the one we went to if we needed comfort, if we needed to laugh, if we needed to know everything would work out ok, if we needed forgiveness.
However long I live, I hope I can always have a happy spirit like my dad, no matter what life throws at me. It wasn't life that kept him happy, as he had plenty of heartache, including losing two children, and many medical problems. It was his naturally happy and grateful heart. He had a kindness toward people and an acceptance of others faults and shortcomings. If he judged you at all, it was always on the curve.
Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there, especially the ones I love. If you still have your dad and grandpas, I hope you take the chance this week to get in touch with them. One day when they are gone, you’ll wish you could sit down and talk about things. I’d love to laugh with my dad again and be comforted, hear another gardening idea from my Papa, or another carpentry tip from my Pop. And what I wouldn’t give to still have the man who spent most of his life being the father to my children.
The world needs people like my mom who get things done or else we couldn’t function. But sometimes we need people who make you laugh even more. We need joy. Be sure and seek out that joy when it’s missing. If my dad taught me one thing it was that you can still have joy even after heartbreak.
Miss you, Daddy. Thanks for teaching me to be kind, and to not only carry on but to carry on with a joyful heart.