Things I’ve learned from my Daddy

My Dad is going to be 70 this November. Besides the basic needs in life, he has taught me that a girl can do “boy things” like checking the oil in your car engine and how to mow the lawn. I’ve learned a lot from my dad in my 41 years.

My dad is one of the hardest working men you will ever meet. If he has a project to do, every part needs to be researched and all possible angles thought through before starting the project. It used to drive me crazy when he would help me with my school projects, now it’s THE ONLY way I do a project. I’ve learned if you work hard and stay organized you can accomplish anything.

Dad taught me how to organize my stuff. I remember one year I was in middle school and he taught me how to organize my school papers in color coded folders for each class. Staying organized would not only keep my stuff in order but would also keep me focused on the task at hand. It helped me as a student in school and later helped me as a mom, a teacher, a business manager, and event planning for our church.

I’ve learned how to give. He has always given everything he has to others, never expecting anything in return. However, Daddy doesn’t like it when people do things for him. He might be the first ever “pay it forward” man.

My Daddy is an amazing listener. I swear he must have taken a course on “how to truly listen to someone”. He always knows the right questions to ask and to keep you talking about the problem. He is willing to give advice but knows that by asking the right questions we can usually come to the right decision on our own.

I’ve learned that you never give up on family. I’ve watched my dad be a peacemaker with his own family when they weren’t getting along. He has always taught my sister and I, no matter how angry you get, you are still family and family doesn’t quit on each other.

My dad has always been a comforter. One of the best memories I have of my Dad was during a really hard time in my life. I went through a serious breakup with a boy. I sat on the couch in my parents living room, with my dad’s arms around me, and I cried for HOURS. HOURS! That sweet man sat with me and cried right along with me and just held me the whole time. Even though it was a “dark time” in my life, it is a memory that I will cherish forever.

You know that old time phrase “a child should be seen and not heard”? I think my dad HATED that phrase more than anything in the world! He and mom were elementary school teachers and they loved kids. My parents taught my sister and I that what we had to say was important and they wanted to hear it.

Showing up! I have learned from my dad that sometimes just “showing up is enough”. Sometimes words don’t need to be said but just being there matters. Even to stand in the rain to watch your granddaughter play soccer. (See pic below.)

Daddy turns 70. 70 years loved by all who have known him. With God, with family, and the people that love you…That’s how you do life!

Happy birthday, Daddy! To the WORLD you are my Daddy, to ME you are the WORLD!