My dad showed me what true love was by living it out.
He showed his love for his family every day in a dozen ways. He never liked cats, yet lived with them his entire married life because he loved the people who loved the cats. He carried me to bed every night until I was nearly twelve years old. I carried my childhood cat Puffy in my arms for the ride. My dad would tuck us into bed and give me a kiss goodnight. Every night I requested that he also gave Puffy a kiss goodnight. Faithfully he would kiss the cat that I loved because he loved me.
My dad taking us into the salt mines in Salzburg
My dad showed me how to conquer fears by fighting his own.
My dad had a terrible fear of heights, yet he climbed mountains, steeples and other ancient buildings throughout Europe with my brother and me. Each time there would be a point in the climb when I could see the fear set in as we reached seemingly unsupported heights. And every time he carried on beside us despite his fear.
My dad showed me dedication by his own commitment to our family.
My dad showed his deep devotion to our family in countless ways. He was always ready to say I love you or I’m proud of you. He showed his love and pride by being on the sidelines during a variety of sporting events, watching me in the marching band, being in the audience every time he had an opportunity to support me. I remember clearly the energy, strength and boosted stamina I would feel as I rounded the corner of the track four times to see my dad in the stands cheering me on.
My dad taught me to care for others through his nurturing of us.
My dad was the nurturer in our family. He took the roll of nurse, caregiver and nutrition trainer in our home. He tended to my wounds and medicated us with both natural and traditional medicine to bring us back to health.
My dad lived with honor, integrity, love, compassion and perseverance which he wove into our lives through the way he lived his life in front of our impressionable young eyes. I am blessed to call him my dad. Happy Fathers Day!
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