Just want to start out by saying how much my Dad has influenced my life, and how much I have become my Father's son. If you knew my Dad you might think that we are nothing alike and we couldn't be farther apart and so dissimilar. Yes it would seem that I take after my Mother more than my Dad, but I am slowly growing into my Dad's shadow. I realize more and more that I have his mannerisms, I share his frustrations, and I snore like a missing V-8.
I grew up on a would-be third generation family farm, one that I should be working right now. My Father and his Father before him have worked the land... their land all of their lives. It was supposed to become my land, but farming was just not in the cards for me. I worked with my Grandfather and Dad for a few years before I became the prodigal son and moved to Salt Lake to chase the snow. Don't get me wrong, my Dad never pushed me to do anything, I was always allowed to make my own decisions, and for that I am very grateful. I have experienced many things because of the support and love from my family and my Dad.
The one thing that my Dad has that I strive for in my day-to-day is his "lust for life". No matter what he does my Dad loves to have fun and likes to be around people, he is the quintessential entertainer whether it is eating out at restaurants after church, having people out to the farm for dinner, or opening his house for giant 4th of July blow-outs. My Dad knows how to have a good time and how to make other people have a good time -he is contagious and selfless.
My Dad is the definition of "old school". Work hard. Play harder. He has a relentless work ethic and can work you into the ground, he will not give up on a problem. Get a bigger hammer, heck my Dad doesn't mess with hammers, he grabs the "cutting torch" and fixes the problem. He is a bit of a super hero, clown, handyman, mechanic, policeman, and fireman all rolled into one. Now Fireman is a bit of a misnomer, he does not put out fires -he starts them, or makes them bigger. I've witnessed him cheat death, fix the impossible, and care for his family.
Speaking of definitions. Father n. -a male parent. Dad n. -informal term for father. Pretty lame definitions for such an important figure. My definition: Dad n. -a person I want to be more like
Happy Father's Day Thank you for everything you have done in my life. I love you.
-GL
