It's been way too long since I've written. Don't worry I plan to catch you all up to date! But since it was Father's Day yesterday, I thought I should write about my dad.
I don't talk or write about my daddy often enough. We often butt heads and that's probably because we're so much alike. Most of the time our squabbles are over silly things; other times, we've misunderstood each other. Daddy is often oblivious to things around him; as well as he may very well be losing his hearing. If there's one thing I've learned from Daddy it's that when you're frustrated when someone is not paying attention, keep that frustration under wraps as much as possible and develop more patience. They are likely to respond positively.
Frustrations naturally come when you live with anyone. That's why it's so important to focus on the positive qualities of that person instead of the negative. Communication is also huge!! When you don't communicate well with a fellow housemate, tensions rise and perspectives are blown out of the water. That often happens with Dad and me; but we're working on it.
Daddy is a fighter. He's not perfect, but he has been such an excellent example to me to go against the norm. He was raised a Lutheran and converted to the Christian faith in his early 20s when he was in the service. When he met my mom, the only thing Momma knew about Daddy was that he was there when the church doors opened and when they closed. He is devoted to doing what is right and not afraid to admit when he's wrong. He's open to and dedicated to truth. His parents weren't happy with his decision and he had to deal with their reactions. He has trouble processing emotional pain and he lets things drag him down (partly the reason why he's in his own head too much). There are times he's so much in his own little world that he doesn't know what bothers him anymore. He's strong, but he thinks he has to bear the burden alone when he doesn't. He wants to see that I do what is right. He may not be the most fun, opening and affectionate of dads, but he gave me a moral compass with a rigid arrow. I give him credit for being true to himself.
He gives me stability and comfort just by being my dad. A lot of kids don't have that.
I was very much a Daddy's girl when I was little. He carried me on his shoulders when I was little, played hide and go seek, took me to the zoo and swimming, and read to me every night. He was also the one who tended to spoil me; Momma was always harder to convince. When I grew older he taught me how to shoot, gave me my first knife, gone walking and biking with me. Father/daughter time is a must to keep the relationship strong; and harder to find time when as I've grown older. But all relationships require effort from both parties.
Momma told me when I was a newborn, Daddy was afraid to hold me because he thought he might drop me. Momma tricked him into it anyway. He may not show it very much, but he has my best interests at heart. He wanted to "give a talking" to my ex boyfriend when he saw the emotional and physical toll it took on my health. I've never seen my dad want to stand up for me because it's not usually how he goes about handling conflict. Momma later told me this, privately. I sure wish I could've seen and heard it for myself!
Daddy may have his faults, but he's my daddy. I love him to pieces. I wouldn't want it any other way.
So here's to all you fathers: you are just as important in a family as a mother. Don't ever back down and give up on your kids. They want to know where the boundaries are and they want you to show them why they should respect you. Be interested and involved in your kid's lives. They need you even if they don't say it or show it. Families aren't the same without Dads.
Happy Father's Day; make the most of each moment and treasure the memories.
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