This is my dad. I don't often talk about my parents. My family is far from perfect. We have our struggles and our differences. Our laughter and joy seems to come few and far between at times.
But, every now and again I have the opportunity to witness true bliss in the eyes of my father. He cares so deeply about his family. He has provided me with examples of what it means to be a caretaker and a parent.
I don't have the best memory. I don't think back on my childhood often..mostly because I don't remember a lot of it. I think the stress in my adolescence washed away easily recalled memories.
Today, I am thankful for my dad though. I am thankful that he taught me how to ride a bike, check my oil and save even a little of the money I earn. They are gifts many young adults were not blessed with.
As a child, I remember my dad calling me over to the computer each night to show me, update me, on how my stocks were doing. I wasn't sure then, and I'm still not convinced I know 100% what stocks are now. But, my dad does. He knew and invested my money wisely. A gift that I am so incredibly grateful for as I continue to grow. Each year as my friends took trips with their Permanent Fund Dividends my dad invested mine. Now, I have money that when I am ready, I can buy a house. Not many 24-year olds are in that position. It's an incredible gift.
As a child, I remember my dad taking us on crazy adventures. Mostly on our boat, but biking and camping too. I remember one time in particular that we were staying at a Forest Service cabin. We were interrupted by another family who, despite our hopes, showed up for there reservations. So, in the pitch black in the middle of nowhere Alaska, we had to leave. In addition, we have shrimp pots "set" (down in the ocean). So we loaded up, and went to pick up the pots. It was stormy and the boat started to overheat. An alarm was going off, my mom was freaked and I sat there, reading. Judy Blume. I'll never forget it. I trusted my dad in that moment. I was scared, knew we were in trouble, but even still was at ease. My dad had it all under control; and despite talk of not making it to shore, he navigated us back safely.
As a child, a high schooler, I took drivers education. Most teens did. My instructor sent us home with an assignment. Learn how to change a tire. The catch: it was winter and snowing. So, most parents just signed off, saying they would teach their child how to do such a task later, ultimately never at all. Not my dad though! He fetched a piece of cardboard from the garage, put it on the ground and taught me. Right then and there. He was determined. This is a skill that is practical and I appreciate it. I have changed many a tire, including one on a freeway on-ramp. I am proud to know something about my car. Changing a tire was added to my skill set. He taught me to check my oil, transmission fluid, tire pressures and...most importantly: keep track of my cars maintenance!
As a child, I remember my mom was always the compassionate one, and my Dad was the strong one. He pushed me. Often, his desire for me to achieve greatness was daunting, overwhelming, and would be so frustrating. It seemed, and sometimes still seems overwhelming. I am who I am though, professionally and otherwise, because of this push. Failure was not an option and I strived for that.
Tonight, as my Dad looked at Ben's car, took me to dinner, and talked about my life more than his own, he apologized. Apologized for my hardships in life. Taking them on as his own. I believe that part of growing up is realizing that your parents did the best they could with what they had-and my Dad, my parents did just that.
As a child, my father's daughter, I am thankful for him this Lenten season.
No comments:
Post a Comment