An Amazing Father

A few years ago I thought I was going to lose my Dad when he was involved in a traffic accident on his motor scooter. I actually came upon the accident shortly after it had happened and saw a motor scooter laying on the side of the road and the emergency crew placing someone into an ambulance. At the time I thought the scooter looked a lot like my dads, so while trying to remain calm I called my parents house. My mom answered and I calmly said "Hello mom, is Dad there?". She quickly answered with "No, your dad went out on his scooter to go to Lowes". And that is when I panicked!  The next several hours were filled with adrenaline and sheer fear for my fathers life. Thank GOD for the helmet that my dad was wearing as it probably saved his life.

That day I remember thinking, what would I do if I didn't have my Dad? So today on Fathers Day I want to take some of your precious time to pay tribute to the amazing man that I am so lucky to call my Father! 

Growing up my Dad would come home from a long days work, and we would rush to the door begging for him to take us swimming. He unselfishly would quickly change out of his clothes throw on his swimsuite and load us in the car (without even taking a moment to sit on the couch). On vacation he always said "Anything Goes". That meant if we wanted milkshakes for breakfast, well we got them because we were on vacation!  And, my favorite quote from my father growing up was when he would tell me, " I can fix anything but a broken heart". He knew boys would be trouble and he wasn't going to try to conquer that task :)

But it's funny, some of my favorite things about my Dad are not the things he has done for me, but what he has done for other people. I remember being very young and riding in the car with my Dad and he was telling me that he trys to do 3 nice things for other people every day. And, what an example he was to me of how to treat other people with kindness. My dad for years has traveled the globe helping the many people who are not as fortunate as we are. From Mexico, to Africa, to Haiti my Dad has been a light for people living in a very dark world. He started a non-profit in Sioux falls to help feed the hungry called Kids Against Hunger. That food fills empty bellies of starving individuals. Not only that, but my Dad even has a child named after him in Africa, how special is that? Nonetheless, He never boasts about all he has done, but instead is very humbled by what these people have taught him about life! 

So Dad, I want to acknowledge that you are not only the best father, you are an amazing man to all that know you. You will never know how many people have been positively affected by your presence here on earth. Thank you for not preaching to me what it is to be a good person, but being a man that leads by example in the work you do! That is the best life lesson of all!

Happy Father's Day, I love you Dad!!