9/2/2004 11:50:25 AM|||Chench|||

What can I say about Dad? I think everyone knows that I’d be nowhere without him. I’m pretty sure I’ve told everyone. The things he’s gone through for me and watched me go through aren’t the normal things that parents should have to deal with. He’s dealt with those things every time, not with happiness, but with acceptance. The guy rolls with the punches like no one I’ve ever known, accept maybe me.  He probably doesn’t know what an inspiration he’s been to me. He’s influenced me in so many ways that I didn’t realize until I forced myself on him again for such a great deal of time. I used to think I was just like my mom but now I can see what is in me that came from him. Hard work, hard play, responsibility, practicality and pride. I was a bratty kid and some lessons I was taught will stick with me for my entire life. I became much less bratty as I grew and learned from him. He taught me to “think before you speak.” I actually remember him yelling that at me. My yearbook quote was, “It’s better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt.” That shows how I matured and the influence he had and still has on me. He taught me to have pride in my work and everything I do. He taught me that by example. Family always came first with Dad. He always felt the responsibility to provide for his family. He’s still doing that. He shouldn’t be anymore, but he is. After reflecting on all of these things, I’ve realized that the most important thing he taught me was how to be a dad. I’ve told Kris many times that if I can be half the dad that my father is and was then Gary and Katherine will have a real chance to grow up to be good people. She tells me I already am and more, but I wont accept that. These kids make me proud but they’ve got a lot of growing yet to do. I know my dad has been proud of me in the past and I know that he will continue to be. I have that hope and faith.

Hopefully you got this in your email. There should be a link at the bottom of the email to read the entire blog. Welcome to the list Pa!
|||109414052509185150|||I'm gonna be like you Dad, you know I'm gonna be like you.