Today is my dad's 64th Bday. And I spent most of it with him doing various dad-son things like: grilling on his back porch, raising his television on the wall of his bedroom 6 inches so he could watch tv on his bed without getting his neck in a bind, and playing card games until late in the evening.
He is quiet man, without much occasion to gloat. But in his quiet nature, he gives our family strength. For my dad has never been a vocal leader. He models what I need to know about being a man without many words. In the way that he has stood beside my mother for more than thirty years as her best friend and partner, and in the way he has dedicated his life to working hard and being helpful to all those in need, tell me more about the character he has passed down to me than words could possibly describe.
He is fragile in his older age. With every year, he has less use of bodily coordination and memory. I have decided, then, to cherish the moments I have with him now as if they were the last I have with him. In that way, moments like I've had today, turning a wrench, flipping a rib over the grill, and reminiscing about the good old days, seem to mean so much more than just moments with a father.
He is mentoring me to be a dad someday, whether he knows it or not. And I'm eternally grateful.
Dad, you are my father. And I am so humbled to be your son.
Love,
Sean
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1 comment:
This is good.
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