Five Things for Father's Day

It's Father's Day and in honor of my dad I want to share some things I have learned from him.  Stoic and often quiet unless he has an opinion (watch out) he had ways of influencing me.  Always guiding and loving.  So here are some things I have carried with me in my life because of my dad.

Road trip with mom and dad

Work Hard

My dad has always been a hard worker.  He left home and his first job was at age 14 setting chokers which is extremely dangerous, and living on his own.  Growing up I remember when there was a recession and he was out of work.   He went every day to the unemployment office and would take anything they would give him.  He claimed they were tired of seeing him show up every day.  At one point he worked at the VA, in his terms as a mop flopper.  My dad is a skilled tradesman, although he was not using his trained skill set, he believed in the importance of work, working hard and providing. He gained a different perspective and stated his strong opinions of the importance of respecting our elders and veterans, in which he did not feel was happening.  Work ethic is something that has been instilled me from his influence.

Friends are Important

Waiting for us to stop laughing - the salmon was heavy!

My dad has put up with Kelli and my antics for years!

Good friends are hard to come by.  

Relationships are important and often you must look at your friends like family....family that you may even actually like.  I am sure this can resonate with some of you.  My dad has few close relationships, which is very different from me. Whether you many friends or just a few, having them is important.

I have worked to cultivate my relationships.  My friends are an integral part of my community and identity.  

Pets are Pals

My dad is an animal lover.  If you were to meet him and have a your furry friend with you...he would most likely ignore you and pay attention to your pet.  The neighborhood dogs make a daily stop at my parent's home.  Some even have their own personal dog beds in his shop and will hang out with him when he is tinkering.  Every night he has to walk Josie, his neighbor's oldest springer spaniel back home, as she loves hanging out all day at their house.  At times, I think my parents intent to visit me, was actually to see Roms.  (ok maybe not but it is completely plausible)

My mom has a  No Pet Rule which she upholds.  However, she is the first to pick up dog toys and treats, dog food and bird feed at the store.  A random chicken adopted my parents and set up roost on top of their recycling bin.  Her name is Cuckoo (and my mom loves her just as much as the furry friends, don't let her fool you).   Since then she has had baby chicks and my dad has made a new roost for her. Upon meeting someone with any dog(s), there is an immediate offer to dog sit.  Which my mom scoffs in the background.

My dad told me today as he noticed the empty space where Roms things used to be - I sure miss that bum!

Go for your Dreams

My dad has always encouraged me to do what I love, commit and follow through on my word and strive to improve.  After my first half marathon I was telling him about the race and he said to me that's great, so when's the marathon? My response Dad, I just did a half marathon...I haven't even wrapped my head around a marathon.  This one of many talks we have had.  Often he will listen, if there is concern he will give me my opinion but more often I'm left with You will have to decide what you are going to do kid.  I used to get frustrated - what is that supposed to mean? I asked you for advice!  But I realize ultimately I have to make my a decision, go for it and the outcome, good or bad, will my own.  I appreciate this much more today than my younger years when I was a bit confused on what to do.

Family Time

Birthday stop at Joe's

Joe's Donuts - the best donuts EVER!

Over the years we gift giving has gone to the wayside and spending time together over a meal has been more of the focus.  We have had dinner at Timberline for my dad's birthday in the past.  For Father's Day, I called my dad and inquired where he would like to go to, so that I could make a reservation.

 

Me:  Would you like brunch, lunch or dinner?  

Dad:  I want to go the Vietnamese restaurant....the one you took us to.  

I paused because I couldn't remember a restaurant.  

Dad:  The sandwich place

Me:  Best Baguette???  

Dad: Yeah

Me:  That's where you want to go is to Best Baguette?

Dad:  Yeah they have good sandwiches.  

Me:  Ok, are you sure?  You can pick any place and you want to go there?

Dad:  It doesn't matter where we go as long as we are together

Well that sums it up doesn't it.  May you enjoy your Father's day with your dad, grandpa or whomever.  There may be some of you who have lost your father.  I can imagine that would be difficult today and may you have a moment to reflect on your memories

My parents have a sense of humor!

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A rare moment to catch him smiling!