Happy Fathers Day

I know I am a few days past Fathers day but I wanted to write a few thoughts about my dad.

My dad was an incredibly giving and loving family man. There are countless memories I have in my mind of him insisting on paying the bill, or the millions of gifts he bought for all of us.
He was an inspiration and a role model, teaching me some of the most important lessons of my life.
The first thing that comes to mind is he taught us all not to rush to judgment. "There is nobody out there that is better than you, and you are no better than anyone out there." is what he would say, especially at night as he was tucking me into bed.

He taught me to listen to what others had to say and not be afraid to challenge them, my dad was always up for a good debate. Almost to a flaw.

I remember would all go to the ranch and look for deer and do bonfires & pizza pockets, after dinner, we would sing songs, tell riddles, or he would stare into the clear sky, teaching us about the stars, medicine that doesn’t have to cost anything. Every time I hear an acoustic guitar now, my heart aches with some of these memories. If it was a song my dad used to play, (like blackbird or puff the magic dragon) If I close my eyes, I can imagine him playing instead.

The truth is I wasn't that close to him, at least not the way I am with my mom, but I always knew he would always be there when I really needed him. He was an incredible father that way. He knew when I was in over my head and he would help me find a way out. There were a few incidences in my life where if I didn't have my dad there to help me, my life could of changed dramatically. Some of the last emails that I received from him where all helpful information and links, it makes both my face smile and my heart hurt to look through them. Now that he is gone, the hard things that I have had to face seem even greater. Some days I wish I could go back to being young and ask him for help and what to do, especially when my mom (my other guidance) is hurting too.  He was the rock and foundation of my home growing up and I am so grateful for him.

So if I fail or falter it is not because I wasn’t shown the way. Dad, here’s to you and your infinite wisdom. I love you and miss you and hope I never let you down. Happy Father’s Day.