Dad Day

Everybody is posting pictures of their weddings with their daddy and smiling pictures and posed cheek kisses, and I thought about doing that too, but changed my mind. My dad is not the sentimental type, so he'd probably just peer over the top of his glasses at the photo, check it out in detail for about two seconds, and then just keep scrolling. I could get him some fancy gift, take him to some fancy place for lunch, but he'd rather get a dry-fit material shirt and eat a simple rack of ribs from Rib Country. 

My dad is a very simple man. He is perfectly content with his fizzy water, a Tom Clancy book, Listerine strips and a cool, quiet house as he is some big Father's Day party. He'd rather rock Jonah to sleep and hold the little dude than probably anything on earth. 

I always think about my simple, sweet dad on Father's Day, and it think about the things that he taught me. They may not make themselves evident at all times, but he instilled them in me nonetheless.

He taught me to work hard. Not only that, do it right the first time so that you don't have to waste time doing it again. (Two words dad: dog food) My dad has the best work ethic of any person on this planet. If you want to count on someone to do a job right, well, and thoroughly- call him. And if he can't, he will find someone who can.  

He taught me to work hard for what I have. Don't depend on others to just hand it over- work for it. Earn it. Deserve it. And if you don't get it- oh well. No sense in worrying about it. You don't and won't always get everything you want. 

He taught me to appreciate what I have. Don't be real sorry and lazy.  I (and Jack) keep a clean home, well-maintained vehicles, and clean clothes. I take care of what I have.  I appreciate the roof over my head, the car I drive and the clothes on my back because I worked hard for them . I appreciate them. Did I always do that when I lived at home- nope. (I'm convinced that there's this disease you contract as a teenager that voids your brain of all conmon sense and basic knowledge. You only get rid of this disease when you no longer bear the word "teen" in your age description.) I didn't always appreciate what I had when I was younger, but looking back now, I had everything I could've wanted or needed. Anything I didn't work hard for or appreciate- I see now that my dad did. 

How did I think  the lights in our house cut on EVERY SINGLE TIME I flipped a switch? How did food miraculously appear on our table EVERY NIGHT? How did we have vehicles to get around in? TV to watch? Oh, you want a piano? How did my butt manage to be in church every time the doors were open? I get it now. 

Thank you dad for being a great leader and influence in my life. I hope that I make you proud.