Giving Thanks for Dad

My father is not a perfect man and he would be the first to tell you. Even so, I am thankful for him.

Dad has run a business for as long as I can remember and served as an officer in the US Army. Dad worked a lot but was supportive of me. He took me to piano and later, voice lessons. Dad made it to concerts, recitals, and other performances. He took us to church and encouraged involvement in in youth group and choir. I learned some of my greatest life lessons from him. Some I did not fully grasp until after the "know-it-all" years of my youth. No matter what, Dad was there for me.

One of my favorite memories with my Dad happened when I was in the second grade.

Dad understood the importance of an education-not only for material gain but as a means to better one's self. Dad did his best to make sure we had the best education possible by every means at his disposal.

I was struggling with reading. I was also attending a private school and aware that Dad was working hard for me to attend it. I was having a hard time with my work and fell behind. Dad went with me to visit my teacher and it was clear I needed to catch up.

One day I left my reader at school. I was scared to tell Dad but he said, "we will go in early."

Dad not only took me to school early, he sat with me and helped me with my assignment. I still remember him sitting next to me, guiding me through each sentence until I was finished with the work. He made time for me. Time that encouraged me to keep working and get better. Time that said, "I believe in you."

Dad did not get a college education. This did not stop him from becoming an officer in the Army. Dad retired as a Major after working his way up from the rank of Private. I have always respected his work ethic and desire to do more. Helping me that morning showed me that I could do better. I could do more.

More than anything, Dad was there for me. When I have been at my best and when I have been at my worst, Dad has been there. And he always says the same thing to me: I love you.

When I found my place in Chorale in high school, Dad was there.

When I struggled with my demons, Dad was there... even when it meant coming to me.

When I became a Marine, he was the first officer I saluted... and hugged-briefly.

When I received both my degrees, I remember seeing my Dad, waving and smiling at me in the stands.

When Dad found out he would become a Grandfather-all three times.

Whenever I meet up with him for lunch or dinner when I am in town.

For all of these times and so much more, I am thankful for my Dad.

For showing me how to love my family.

For introducing me to books.

For taking me fishing.

For bringing me to music... for still coming to concerts.

For encouraging my love of learning and inspiring me to teach others.

Thank you, Dad.