I’m a bit behind on posting this… Yesterday was Father’s day and I made this little documentary for my dad. A few weekends ago we took a trip to Ocean Shores with the family and it was one of the nicest, most relaxing trips I’ve had in a long time.
During that trip I had time to reflect on my dad and the presence he’s had on my life. We’ve always had a special bond since I was a very small girl. While I was in undergrad my father decided it wasn’t too late to expand himself and so he started his bachelor’s degree at the same university I attended. Not many can say that they’ve taken Criminology or Acting 101 with their dad, but that’s our story. It was a crazy blast.
This past year has been one of the most difficult of my life and I can say without hesitation– I wouldn’t have gotten through it without the unconditional acceptance and love of my father.
When I think about the measure of a steady father these words come to mind: generous, gracious and courageous. My dad will be the first to say that he isn’t perfect, but these words describe, only in part, his beautiful soul.
Generous // It used to drive me crazy because we could never expect to have a holiday meal without every lone person my dad ran into at the grocery store joining us for dinner. On Thanksgiving, there we would be with an assortment of misfits and loners gathered around the table. As a teenager this cramped my style but over time I began to recognize just how deep my dad’s generosity flowed. We always had room at the table for anyone who didn’t have a home. He’s still like this to this day and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Gracious // My teenage years tested the breadth and depth of my father’s graciousness– the nights I snuck out to ride bikes with my best friend across the street– the day I skipped 8th grade to ‘run away’ for a day to Everett… I’ll spare you the details. These were the real testing moments and although my dad would vacillate in disappointment his grace found a way to embrace me. I’ve seen folks wrong him– moments of rejection or hurt and he has always exhibited an openness to second chances.
Courageous // I haven’t met many who are willing to ask themselves where it is they need to change and then figure out how to make the needed changes. He modeled that often. He owned his short comings and would get back up and try again. He’s committed to an evolving process and that’s not easy to do or even encouraged in our culture, but he digs in deep to find the courage and take another step.
Thanks dad for who you are. I am full of gratitude.
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