Being A Dad
A good friend of mine's father passed away last week at the age of 82. As we sat at the service and listened to his children speak about his life and accomplishments, it was really moving and I thought this should be required material for every person that wants to become a parent.
Lee had served his country and raised multiple children, worked hard his entire life and gave back to his community. He wasn't focused on big houses, fancy cars, or shiny new toys. He had more important things to attend to, what are they you ask?
Being a Dad. Just being there day in and day out for his family. The daily grind is the hard part, the getting up every day to work, taking care of the house, taking care of the cars, teaching the children, meeting your responsibilities. Being there for your wife and children when times get rough. Picking them up when they fall down, disciplining them when they're wrong. Showing them the right way to do things, and letting them see your flaws.
Mundane perhaps, demanding at times, essential absolutely.
Being without my father for much of my life, it really hit me how successful Lee truly was. And now as father myself that has raised three children, you look back and think of all the things you may have accomplished in this life and nothing comes remotely close to raising independent, self sufficient, well adjusted children. Simply good loving kids!
In our society today when it seems everything is so temporary and fleeting, fatherhood and motherhood seem to take on those characteristics at times also.
Being a good father or good mother serves another extremely important role beyond that of one's own family, it helps other future parents understand what a good father or mother is supposed to be, how they carry themselves, how they act, how they live.
Good families are the foundation of good societies.
God Bless Lee!
And thanks from all of us for showing us how to be an outstanding Dad.
With Love,
Coach K
No comments:
Post a Comment