Dad

Yesterday I gave my dad a card with the definition of genuine on the front. That sums up the type of person he is. I have learned so much from my dad, not only from what he told me about life, but also by watching him.


He is incredibly hard working. Still he puts his family before his job. He will drop whatever he is doing to help someone in need. He will loan what he has to give and not expect payment back. In fact he has said to me on many occassions that when he loans someone something, he forgets about it. He thinks of it as a gift to them, not a loan to be repaid. Yet, when he borrows something from some one he never forgets that he owes them and even if it takes him years, he will repay the debt.


He has instilled in me an incredible faith in God. 'Always put your faith first', is a favorite saying of his. He truly believes that we are only on this earth to earn our heaven--yes a true Catholic. He really does pray for people in need. And I know he has prayed for me many times!


After Little d was born and we let the grandparents in the room, my dad was completely taken with his first grandchild. He leaned over to me and said in a whisper "now you know why I never wanted you to be a cop." I get tears in my eyes just typing that. It is true. There is nothing like the love for your child to make you realize the love your parents have for you. Even though it must have been heartbreaking to worry about me on patrol, like my mom, my dad completely supported my choice to go into law enforcement.


He was a big proponent of 'get a college degree'. He used his own GED as an example. He said having a degree opens many doors for you and he is absolutely right. Even now, if I want to become a licensed counselor, I only need to go for my Master's since my Bachelor's is out of the way. My parents worked hard so that I never had to hold a job in college, only study and get good grades. I hope to someday do the same for my kids.


There are a couple of Dad-isms that I like to fall back on. One, every cloud has a silver lining. Yes it's been used before, but Dad explains it as this: God has a plan for you, even if you can't see it now. Everything happens for a reason and in His time.


And two, if it doesn't fit-don't force it. He used this to explain mechanical stuff like keys in locks and whatnot, but I think it is a great metaphor for life as well. If a relationship doesn't work, don't force it to. I hear that phrase often in my head...If it doesn't fit, don't force it. And it always seems to make me pause, take a breath and calm down.


I am truly lucky to be blessed with both of my parents. I thank God all the time that not only did they love me and raise me with faith, but they love each other and are a great example of what a happy home looks like.