My Dad

Father's Day has come and gone, but although I'm late, I didn't want to let the opportunity pass without saying something about my dad. Simply because he's too special not to mention.

I read a quote from Clarence Kelland last week, "My father didn't tell me how to live; he lived and let me watch him do it." That statement really resonated with me, because though I never really thought about it in this way, this is exactly how I feel about my dad. He didn't preach to me or really even instruct me as to how to become a great person, he lived his life as a great person and I saw him do it every day. He showed me what it means to be strong and soft at the same time. From him, I learned how to face adversity and heart ache with grace and dignity. He taught me that family is the cornerstone in our lives, a compass for those times we get lost to steer us back home. Now that I'm a parent, I can see the gentle side of my father coming out in me when I relate to Will, and that makes me know I'm doing something right.

When I was three, my Pop's truck ran over my tiny little body in the driveway of his shop. I don't remember much about that day, except for my dad scooping me up in his arms and running me through the apple orchard to our house. I remember feeling so small in his arms. But, more importantly, I remember feeling safe. That feeling has continued throughout my life. I still feel safe and protected with my dad, and I know I always will.

I guess if I could wish for one thing as it relates to my father, it would be for people to see him when they see me. That my life will serve as a reflection of his. Because that's how amazing he is. To me, the best compliment I could receive is, "Wow, you're just like your dad."



Happy late Father's Day to all the dads out there that inspire this feeling in their children.

L