Happy Father’s Day

To all the dads, stepdads, and dad figures out there.

But especially for my dad, my hero.

For the man whose example I try hardest to follow.

For the father:

- whose best way of teaching was leading by quiet example

- who set firm boundaries, yet was pretty lenient within said boundaries

- who always made the distinction between kid stuff and adult stuff

- who could very easily be a little kid at heart himself

- who always had a nugget of wisdom to share behind each puff of his cigar

- who never pretended to be Superdad, just himself

- who was your friend, but your parent first and foremost

- who wasn’t perfect and never pretended to be

- who could break out into a silly song at a moment’s notice

- who was very laid back, but very protective of his family

- who could keep up with the times, yet hold the past dear

- who was easily entertained by the simplest things in life

- who concealed his considerable intelligence behind a semi-redneck facade

- who could toss back his share of drinks, but be responsible about it

- who could accidentally hit a golf ball over his shoulder and pass it off as a neat trick

- who never said an unkind word about our mom after she left us

- who you could never turn your back on during a scary movie

- who never failed to rise to the occasion when he needed to

- who believed in hard work, but plenty of relaxation once the job was done

- who was always able to keep work and play separate

- who taught us love and respect for animals (particularly dogs)

- who was loyal and faithful to all the women in his life (both wives, his mother, and his daughter)

- who I wish I could be more like, yet fall way short of

- who will always be remembered and greatly missed by his family

Be sure to say hi to everybody, and give the dogs a hug for me.

Happy Father’s Day, with love.

The Real Dad. In loving memory, 1936-2006

~ by The Real Dave on June 21, 2009.