my father, my friend

So I didn’t get my Dad a Father’s Day card this year……….because I couldn’t fit everything all in.  So I dedicate this blog post to him. 

My hero.  Co-worker.  Elder.  Sushi partner.  Neighbor.  Shopping buddy.  Counselor.  Mechanic.  Rescuer.  Comedian……but the most dear to me, my friend.

I don’t know how I got so lucky being born to an amazing Dad, but I’m thankful God picked me to fulfill this role, his daughter. 

I have had some great memories with my Dad.  Things like on my 16^th birthday in Chicago eating at the Hard Rock Café and he leans over to some guest and asks, “Pardon me do you have any Grey Poupon.”  (as there is one on every table & acting like the classic commercial.)  Or the time him, my brother & I were at Wendy’s and he didn’t get any hamburger on his sandwich and he walked up to the counter and said, “Hey, where’s the beef?”  A certain car we had contained eight speakers and a great sound system and he would always roll down the windows and blare the music (as I would sink into my seat) and say, “Hey, I don’t want to just listen to the music, I want to BE THERE!”  I owe him a thank you for not getting easily embarrassed because, well, I overcame it in my childhood. 

One “date” he took me on when I was little I’ll never forget is at Kmart.  He bought me the coolest gloves and each finger had a different little puppet on it and I thought they were so cool. 

As an adult your relationship changes with your parents.  Some people run far away from their parents and their relationship dies.  Others become distant, as it is an easier way to have a relationship.  And others draw closer to them because a deep friendship can now grow.  I had an amazing childhood but as an adult I realize how blessed I am to have him as a father but more importantly a dear friend.

We have gone shopping together and out to sushi, just the two of us.  We go to lunch on a regular basis because we work together.  Dad and I occasionally carpool to work together as we are also neighbors.  All of these are great moments in the simple day of an ordinary life.  I wouldn’t change a thing.  Great conversations happen.  Great laughs.  Great advice given.

I’ve had the privilege of going on a mission trip with him and we’ve gone on some great vacations together as a family.  My Dad was my roller coaster buddy as a kid because that isn’t Mom’s thing.  From Wisconsin Dells go kart racing to Disney World, Bush Gardens, Cedar Point & Six Flags Great America, we’ve ridden a few together. 

I also get to watch him be one awesome Grandpa to a great kid.  This is beautiful because He is my son’s only Grandpa in his life and he’s right next door to us. 

I love you Dad.