That was the sound I often made while flying through the air after my dad would throw me off his shoulders into the pool landing with a big splash! He'd toss all three of us, my twin sister and older brother, around like a sack of potatoes! I loved it. For me it was better than any water slide or diving board.
Being thrown off of dad's shoulders was a memory that I'll never forget.
To me, he was the strongest guy I knew. Quite honestly, my dad was a strong guy, always working out at the YMCA, pumpin' iron as he would say. Maybe thats where I get my love for working out? (I almost said love for fitness, but to me fitness incorporates proper nutrition and dads usual lunch of bologna sandwiches and pork rinds is not how I roll these days! ha!)
Maybe it was the times in church when my twin sister and I would fight each other for who got to sit on dad's lap that Sunday, or the countless hours he spent with me working on softball, basketball and golf. He even taught me how to kick field goals, telling me about the one time "back in the day" he made a 54 yard field goal in the Air Force. The guys called him "slow", because, well, the as they say, the proof is in the pudding. Somehow I turned out pretty fast. I guess the "slow" genes skipped a generation :)
My dad always went out of his way to make fun of me and my sister. Back in high school to us it was a mortal sin to wear anything from Walmart and so my dad would go out and purposefully buy Walmart jeans and shoes then flaunt them like a supermodel whenever our friends were around. Every time I gave him the death glare he didn't care it only made him try harder!
My dad always taught me the value of a dollar. Which I still carry on to this day, so really, I'm thankful he flaunted Walmart jeans and Dr. Scholl's. In the end it taught me a lot about what's really important.
My dad grew up poor, his father passed away when he was nine and his mother never re-married and so it was just my dad, his brother and my grandma. They made it work, together, but not without some struggles. Because my grandma had to work so much to provide she'd come home and cook for the boys, but I imagine in her exhaustion would find herself burning the food a lot. My dad to this day still loves to eat burnt food. If there was ever a burnt cookie, it went to dad, because that's what he prefers.
When I was in high school we were asked to write a paper about "our hero". I wrote about my dad. For me, high school was a terrible time. I dealt with depression and felt terribly lost and hopeless, but my dad was always there for me, believing in me, praying for me and encouraging me. His love was what got me through most days. He was so patient. I am so thankful for my dad.
My dad showed me how a Father is to love his daughter. Sure it wasn't perfect and my dad is not a perfect man, but he is a good man who would do anything for his children. I'm certain of that. He sacrificed so much time to spend with us, invest in us and encourage us.
My dad's love for me reminds me of God's love for me. My earthly father has given me a glimpse into who my Heavenly Father is and for that I am so grateful.
Today my dad turns 65. Over the years I've seen him grow so much in his faith and I'm praying for many more great years with my dad. I still have so many things to learn from him. He's still the one I go to when I need advice about guys! And if I ever do get married I'll need him to walk me down the aisle :)
Happy birthday dad. I love you! And I'm so thankful for you.
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