My Dad…My Hero
June is a busy month. The kids are out of school, vacations are being planned, and it’s the month we set aside the third Sunday to honor our Dad for being such a great inspiration and role model in our life. But what exactly does it mean to be a Dad?
The definition of a Father is “a male parent; a man who has begotten a child.” A Dad, on the other hand, has a much broader meaning. He is the true man in your life that is always there for you. That someone you respect. Your hero! That person that seems to be able to fix nearly anything, … from putting the training wheels on your first 2-wheeler, to braiding your hair. Your Dad loves you, comforts you, supports and helps you. Your Dad may also be your Father, but your Father may not be your Dad.
Anyone can be a Father, but it takes someone special to be a Dad
In our society, we are taught that men are typically the stronger ones of our species, and from a biological standpoint, many times this is true. Men have always been the hunters, the providers and protectors of the family. This is not meant to be offensive ladies. I know you all work very hard to provide for your family as well, but this character trait is in a man’s genes.
Really great Dads lead by example and teach us valuable lessons along the way, like:
- Be responsible for your actions and be able to own your mistakes if, and when they occur.
- Be kind and respectful to others. Hold the door for someone, even if it means they will be seated first at your favorite restaurant.
- Tip your server even though the service was bad – you don’t know what kind of day they’ve had.
- Watch what you say. One day you may have to eat your words.
- Be strong, brave and confident in all you do.
- And always…always be good to your mother. Treat her with the respect that she deserves.
My Dad was the quiet thinker and rarely got upset with my sisters and me, (I have 5 sisters and no brothers). Whenever we had a problem and needed to talk to him, he listened to us tell the entire story. He thought about it for a while, scratched his head and then gave his opinion on it. This, too, was another lesson he demonstrated in listening, patience and compassion. My Dad has been gone for a very long time now, and I still miss him. It seems the older I get, the more I miss him. I would sure love to sit on the front porch and just talk to him like we did so many times in the past. I could get his advice on anything from my garden to my career. I would love to tell him all about Rick’s job and the accomplishments our kids have made. He would have been so proud of all of them. But I would really love to just hear his voice and his silly laugh one more time.
My Dad gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person: He believed in me!
Time spent bonding and creating memories with Dad is priceless. Do you remember using a bubble blowing lawn mower to help Dad cut the grass? What about cuddling up in the recliner while he read you your favorite story? Did Dad teach you how to drive, change a tire and check the oil? What about driving a tractor? Some of these are all things I remember from my childhood, and they are all things my husband has done with and taught our children over the years that have helped them become the responsible adults they are today.
Dads wear many hats … Father, Provider, Anchor/Rock, Teacher, Mentor, Comedian, Counselor, Mediator, Referee, Coffee Buddy, Cook, Field Trip Chaperone and Guardian of his family. For the million and two things you do for your family, Dad, thank you. We honor and celebrate you and pray we never take you for granite.
A Dad is his son’s first hero and his daughter’s first love.