With Fathers Day just a few days away my thoughts are around my own dad just now, reflecting back on the 40 years i've had him around, the laughs, the tears, the memories and all else that us daddy's girls get to have. My dad is just so cool and such a strong force in my life, he is the only real consistency I can say i've ever had. No matter where my life has been my dad has always been right at the side of me, if i'm wrong or heading down a bad track he doesn't shout me down he tells me lovingly what he thinks. If I make the mistake anyway he never says 'I told you so' he just helps me through it and loves me better.
My dad is old school in many ways, but one thing that sums my dad up is us kids. There is 3 of us, me being the oldest, and as far as I know, he has never let any of us down intentionally. He doesn't always do what 'we' think he should because he has remained true to himself and done good by us in the way he believes is best. My dad has been through some tough times in his life, losing a daughter a year after me almost broke him. He co-wrote a song for me (Tracy by The Cufflinks which ended in a legal battle but thats another story) Oh, Tracey is my middle name by the way! My dad used to come home from a night out with his friends and tell us tales about an imaginary dog in the pub who would drink his beer while he wasn't looking, even now he will not admit that the dog wasn't real!
My dad is predictable in a good way, he is dependable, loving, silly, funny but most of all he is MY dad and I love him more than I could ever show him. He is a dad first in this life, and he loves nothing more than talking about us kids! He has 11 grandchildren and is just as fiercely protective over them as he is with us, probably more so.
I will be seeing my dad this Sunday and I will be telling him just how much I love him because one day I know he isn't going to be around and I don't think I do enough to give back the love and time to him that he's dedicated to me over the years.
I wish with all my heart that Charley could have Fathers Day with his dad, I know nothing would make my little man happier than having his daddy hold him and play with him. Kirsten will see her dad too, I will make sure that they get some time together cos when all is said and done, we just do not know when our time is up and while one is gone the other is hurting and missing out, so enjoy what you have, if you have it, while you can.
Whether you are Lds or other religion or even no religion, take a minute to watch this video. This kind of father, husband and human being is worth more than anything else in the world....unconditional, unselfish love is the only real love that is worth having.
~*~Debs~*~
