Sunday, June 17, 2012

on father's day

Dear Dad,

Instead of a normal, cunningly witty post regaling all of the times we've astounded the rest of the family with our knowledge of the world, I wanted to share with you some of the lessons you've taught me throughout my 27 years.

//Be Faithful

Throughout you and Mom's almost 30 years of marriage, you've shown me what it means to be faithful to someone. You've taught me the true meaning of loving someone in good times and bad, sickness and in health, in wealth or poverty, forever. You've exemplified what it means to "cherish" someone. My future husband has some big shoes to fill.

//Learn Always

Though you may claim to know everything, (and raised a child who knows everything as well, heh) you still taught me to never stop learning. From assisting with science projects to teaching me how to cook, you instilled a zeal for learning in me that will never cease. I can call you up and ask questions about pretty much anything and get an answer. If genetics has any say in this matter, I hope to be as smart as you someday.

//Value

I can do nothing but admire someone who can do so much with so little. Some might use the word "cheap" but I prefer "thrifty". Watching you use scrap wood and parts to create beautiful furniture and freezing every leftover morsel of vegetables for future vegetable soups made me realize that things often thrown out are, indeed, valuable. You've given me advice on getting the most out of my money and the importance of not spending money on frivolous things. Though I still have a lot to learn, I appreciate you bringing me up to learn about the value of material and non-material things.

//Simple Joys

Almost every Sunday meal you cook is a "feast". Just being around your family is what you enjoy the most. Reading a good book or watching Andy Griffith with a glass of wine is your pastime of choice. You are not one that needs many "things" to enjoy life. You value simplicity over complexity and revel in the simple joys of life. You've taught me to cherish those moments of joy in life and that joy can be found in almost everything.

//Love Well

Your guitar strings are carefully wiped down after each use and your plants are tended to with great care. You go out of your way to make your family and friends feel loved. Whether it be sharing a meal at a certain Chinese restaurant with long-time friends, or depositing money into my checking account "just because", I've learned that the things you love are loved well. To you, love isn't just saying "I love you" but it's sacrifice and respect and integrity and care. It's appreciation for people and a reluctance to give up. It's patience in teaching and openness in learning. Your friends and family do not question your love for them because it is so apparent in the things you do and say.

I am honored to be your daughter.

I love you and Happy Father's Day.


 

2 comments:

  1. We read every single line and loved it.
    M&D

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a sweet, sweet, post. Love and miss you!

    ReplyDelete

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