Fathers Day 2007

• When I was little, my father taught me right from wrong. Sometimes by showing me literally what to do, sometimes with his right hand applied to my backside when I hadn't gotten it right.
• He taught me to listen to my conscience, and to always be aware of a Power higher than me, much higher. Didn't matter what I called it, but recognize that I am not the Be-All End-All.
• He taught me to respect my elders, and to glean from them what wisdom I could. "Sit down and shut up" comes to mind.
• He taught me compassion by example, showing kindness and tenderness even at what I deemed the most unexpected times. He said if he'd never personally experienced a person's difficulties, he must show extra compassion because he could not know how terrifyingly difficult it might be for that person.
• He taught me to appreciate cultural differences by taking me to other countries, and letting me experience the joy of learning about them, making new friends and enjoying the cultures, and then appreciating the freedoms my own country affords me simpy by my birthright. He taught me about freedom - that my "birthright" is paid for by the sacrifices of many heroes.
• He taught me to drive a car. To enjoy the tasty delight of a root beer float. To appreciate the vastness of a quiet, starlit night, and the awe-inspiring beauty of a caterpillar.
• He taught me to laugh, something I very nearly forgot after he died.

I miss you Daddy, every single day. But I will not forget the lessons you taught me.

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Here's to all our fathers... may we appreciate them to the fullest, and honor their memories by remembering what they taught us.