Reflections of a Father

On a Father's Day, my thoughts drift between my dad, and being a dad. I want to write about my Dad. But it would take me all day to think of the things I want to say. In a recent Facebook status, I wrote "Contemplating Father's Day, and convinced that, at my best, I couldn't carry my Dad's suitcase. But I am ok with that." I wasn't fishing for compliments (but I really appreciate the kind words), but rather stating that I don't think I could ever be the man that my Dad was. I know he had his failings, but I sure didn't see that many or very often. I miss him. A lot.

So bouncing between my father and being a father, I am taking a shortcut and posting things I've already written. The short tribute I wrote for my Dad at his funeral doesn't even come close to saying all that could be said, but I knew that I would have a hard time making it through even a few paragraphs.

Then there are a couple of letters that I recently wrote for Abbey and Rachel. Rachel's note was for her to read at her Confirmation retreat. Abbey's letter was supposed to be read on the bus from the graduation ceremony to the after grad party. I think she eventually read it, but it wasn't on the bus. She was afraid I'd make her cry. While none of these are long in content, they are true to my heart.

I'm a lucky guy. Great parents. Great wife. Great kids. Not bragging. Just appreciating.

Happy Father's Day

Thoughts on a girl that makes her dad proud – EVERY DAY!

Last night Abbey graduated from Blue Valley North High School. This is arguably the best high school in the state of Kansas. Is that at all like being the best ski resort in Jamaica? No. It really is a great school. Abbey was recognized as one of the Top 10 Students (based on GPA) in her class. She is not a National Merit Scholar. She did not have a 36 on the ACT. If she had not been screwed by her freshman AP Chemistry teacher, she could have had a chance at #1 in her class. The point? She is an amazing student that worked very hard for this accomplishment. Is this boasting? I don’t care. She is an amazing young lady. She  makes me proud – EVERY DAY!

Abbey’s best friend also graduated from BVN. I really like Steph. She’s smart. She’s a talented soccer player. She sings with Abbey in Chambers.  If you know her parents it’s not too hard to figure out why she is a fine young lady. Abbey and Steph became good friends in middle school. What I really like and respect about Steph is that she accepted Abbey as a friend unconditionally. This is hard enough to find at any point in our lives, not to mention middle school. Abbey’s closest friends up to then were not what I would call good friends. “J” would be a friend when it was convenient, and would not hesitate to torment others to make herself feel better. Her other "close" friend knew this, and often played in to it. If only this immaturity was limited to middle school. But Steph accepted Abbey for everything she is (and isn’t). We all should have a friend like Steph.

Fortunately, Abbey has cultivated other friends with similar qualities. I am quite certain that the character of a young adult can be equal parts who their friends and who their parents are. Abbey has a great group of friends. If I picked them myself, there is no way I could have done as good of a job. I hope she does not follow in her father’s path and lose contact with most of them. Friends like this are hard to come by. Don’t screw it up by leaving them behind.

As I wrap up this up, I realize I can’t forget the most important person in her life – her amazing mom. They have a unique and wonderful relationship. They are close like a mother and daughter should be. The cool thing here is that it happened before the child becomes an adult. Abbey is way more like me than Peggy. But Abbey is way more the amazing young lady because of Peggy rather than me.

I’d love to end this here and celebrate all that Abbey has done. But I know she is not done. And because of that, I’d ask anyone that bothered to read this to stay tuned. The even more amazing thing about all of this? Abbey has a younger sister with all the talents and smarts as her big sis.

I can't help but ask myself - How did I get so lucky to have two daughters that make me proud - EVERY DAY!

Thoughts On Getting OIder

To quote my very cool mother-in-law, I don’t so much mind getting older. It beats the alternative. She was a very special woman, who passed much too soon. She knew how to appreciate life. I am glad that I was able learn that from her. I am even more glad that my wife is so much like her mother in that respect.

This morning I am not so glad that I scheduled a 7:30 AM conference call. Understand that I have conference calls this early, or earlier, on a regular basis. What is unusual about today is that I did something last night that I fortunately do NOT do on a regular basis. But oh man, did I have a good time.

I’ll start by saying that today I celebrate a birthday. I am 46 years young. And I feel every bit of it. Last night my brother Bill took me (and my good friends Nick and Dub) to see Joe Bonamassa perform at the Midland Theater. For those of you that don’t know, Bonamassa is a blues guitarist extraordinaire. Bill picked up some front row tix for the event. Peggy chartered a limo. The concert was fantastic. Afterwards I introduced the group to the Power and Light District. It was night not soon forgotten.

I am especially thankful for Bill. He’s always been a great brother, but in the last two years we have become very close. Like two brothers should be. I am blessed in so many ways, and my brothers are one (make that two) of the ways.

I’m also thankful for the blessing of so many friends. Waking up this morning, I was greeted with birthday wishes from over 50 Facebook friends. And this before 8 AM. I am truly touched.

As I contemplate getting older, I’m appreciative of so many things. I have the best wife in the world. I am blessed with two fantastic, loving and talented daughters. I still have my mom around, and despite living 6 hours away, she is very much a part of our lives. I am blessed with family (immediate, in-laws, and out-laws) that make me feel loved and respected. I don’t think that I could ask for better life. Life is good.