When All Else Fails, Call Dad
My dad jokes all the time that I am not married because I can't find a man just like him. And, well, I hate to admit it. But it's true. There is no one in this world that I look up to and admire more than my father. And the older I get, the more I realize and appreciate all the sacrifices he has made for his children.
One of the most important lessons (and oh, does my Dad love to give you a lesson in life) my dad has taught us is that we are responsible for our destiny.
My dad was born to mill workers in a small southern town. His father couldn't read or write. He was one of six kids who grew up in a small two-bedroom house. He graduated second from the bottom of his high school class. He didn't go to college. Some father's wouldn't let their daughters date him in high school because he came from the wrong side of the tracks. He got fried from multiple jobs. He was constantly told by teachers and counselors that he wasn't good enough...that he wasn't smart enough to go to college and that he would never amount to anything. Needless to say...the "odds" were against him. But he would say... screw the odds. He taught us early on that life is what you make of it.
All those things that he once saw as disappointments or difficulties in life ended up being his greatest blessings. People telling him that he couldn't do something was one of his biggest motivating factors early on. Later, his family became his biggest motivating factor.
My dad is one of the most successful people I know. He has been married to my mom for almost 40 years. He has 4 children who think he hung the moon. Five grandsons who think Big Daddy is their very own superhero. He put four kids through college. He owns a successful business he started from the ground up...literally. He gives to the church and community. He has a heart the size of Texas. He will give you the shirt off his back...money in his wallet...hat from his head...shoes from his feet. You name it...you need it...he has it...he'll give it. He doesn't want anything in return. He's just a giver. It brings him joy to help others. He always roots for the underdog. He doesn't judge anyone for anything. And this is just to name a few.
He has provided not only his kids, but anyone who has the privilege of knowing my dad, with some of life's most important lessons...
You are responsible for your own destiny. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
What goes around comes around. Get ready for it.
There are givers and there are takers in life. Be a giver.
Stand up for what you believe in. Don't care what others think. Just make sure you're right.
If you would ever leave a relationship for something better...you shouldn't be in that relationship. You should think there isn't anything better to leave it for.
And when all else fails...call Dad.
And while my Dad didn't think that I would ever have to apply all his wisdom stowed upon me when it came to my alcoholism...it came in quite handy. Every minute spent with my Dad is a learning experience. He has so much wisdom and knowledge. I know that no matter what it is, I can go to my dad with anything...and while sometimes I don't like what he has to say. I can't honestly say (Oh, I am going to regret this). My dad is always right.
Happy Father's Day, Dad. I love you to the moon and back!