I’m lucky.
So much so that I’ve been encouraged to pursue what I love since day one. So much that I’m able to sit here and write these words.
Not everyone has the chance to celebrate Father’s Day with the one(s) they love, let alone with happiness and joy. Some fathers may be traveling, some may have passed on, and some may be out of the picture altogether. Thanks to one exceptional man, though, I’ve been able to look forward to this holiday with nothing but pride.
My dad is my hero, and that’s something I tell everyone. Since I can first remember, he’s been a constant foundation in my life. There for all the classic firsts—learning to ride a bike, swing a baseball bat, drive, and so on—my dad has gone beyond what could be considered “a good father.” And he’s done so without ever thinking twice about it.
A “good dad” might help teach you to tie your shoe laces, but a great dad will also teach you to put your shoes away so that mom doesn’t have to do it. A great dad teaches you not only how to read a book, but how to fall in love with reading; to look beyond the words in front of you and to consider meaning and context. A great dad raises you appreciating art and listening to quality music, and encourages you to sing your heart out even when you’re shy. A great dad teaches you to love nature and admire the awe of its beauty, even when you’re shoveling snow off your car in the dead of winter. Most of all, a great dad teaches you to love others—wholly and fiercely.
My dad heals people as a profession, and I can’t imagine anyone more perfect for that vitally important responsibility. To grow up watching someone care so deeply for the well-being of others has had an incredible impact on my brothers and me. We’ve seen both our parents (my mom is a also nurse) take care of the hurting, and work tirelessly to ensure both physical and mental health in others. Seeing that kind of commitment has lead us kids to view the world with eyes for social justice, and a desire to make things better in whatever way we can.
I’ve seen my dad be a role model not only to me, but to countless others as well. He has fulfilled the role of father and uncle to both his own kids and his extended family, always there to support the ones he loves with encouragement and guidance. I’ve seen friends and others, young and old, look to him for direction as a professional and as a friend. My dad has played the role of doctor, teacher, therapist, coach, makeup doll (that one’s from me, circa age five), and friend to those in need.
I could go on and on about the ways my dad has meant so much to me. I’ll never forget the times he would come home from a long day of work, only to change into his sport clothes and play outside with my siblings and I until it got dark. Or the times that I had doubted myself, or my looks, or my future, only to be given a big hug and a world of supportive words and encouragement. My dad always seems to know the right thing to say to make people feel better and guide them on the right path, and I can only strive to live my life as thoughtfully and lovingly as he does.
I truly hope that in some capacity—be it with a dad, grandpa, spouse, uncle, or father figure—everyone out there has the chance to celebrate the day with someone special. Even if that person is no longer with us, celebrating their life and the beautiful memories shared is an incredible way to honor them. Again, I’ve been lucky, and I know that. It is my sincere wish, though, that the magic of the father-child relationship I’ve been fortunate enough to know is a sentiment that all get to experience in a lifetime.