I didn't get a chance to chat with my Dad on Father's Day, but we had a good chat last night. Dad was busy with other siblings Sunday at a big Father's Day BBQ. We also had a BBQ with Steve, Kelly and Miles, as Steve got to celebrate being a new dad, so our phone calls and voice messages crossed in cyber space.
The older I get, the more I appreciate the rock that my Dad is in the lives of all us eight crazy kids! Dad is the silent example for all of us about dedication to family and working hard. With that said, he is an amazing father, friend and sounding board for any and all of life's challenges. He along with my Mom, have made tremendous sacrifices to ensure their eight children had as many opportunities that could be afforded over the many years.
1) Thank you for teaching me to be a penny pinching tight wad, and stretching each cent as far as the eye can imagine! Many of us have picked up the "Frugal Frank," or "Budget-Nazi" tendencies in adulthood.
2) Thank you for teaching me the value of hard work. Instilling that nothing will be handed to you on a silver platter, and that the sky is the limit on the potential you wish to achieve so long as you stick to hard work and learn from the mistakes you make along the way while working.
3) Thank you for teaching me about the importance of dedication to family. Even though Mom is no longer with us, you two still set an amazing example for you children with traditions, teaching moments, and sheer moments of laughter.
4) At an early age, I learned the important of paying the Lord first, before you pay your bills directly from you. Your example of always being an honest, full tithe payer, despite economic uncertainty with raising your family, helped develop my faith in my formative years.
5) The jokes, the laughter, the intense sarcasm, incessant worrying, refusing to wear suspenders because I don't' want to look EXACTLY like you, and checking to make sure the credit card is in my wallet at least a dozen times every time I take it out to use it...I owe these mannerisms directly to you.
Happy Father's Day Dad!
Summer 2008 Family BBQ. Jeret, Gretel's husband, and Jack with Grandpa.
2 comments:
I like your pants Dan
I've waited a long time to have a father figure in my life, and I am so happy to have your dad fill that role. I second all your thanks to your dad, I am so grateful to him and your mom for helping to shape your life.
What I love the most about Frank is the love he has for all his kids, his example in the gospel, his sincerity and ability to show his emotions. And most of all I love giving him a hug (whether he likes it or not!) Happy Father's day!
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