If you look closely, you’ll see a man bent over in the background of this photo.
That man is my dad. He was in my backyard for hours that day, picking weeds and clearing out brush.
In fact, he flew 1000 miles to spend a week helping me in my yard, just to lighten my load.
I’ve written a lot about my mom in this space…she is outgoing, adventurous, the absolute life of the party.
My father is none of those things.
My father is quiet, unassuming, and steady.
He is my go-to guy for advice, no matter the subject.
He is generous and charitable, without ever seeking attention or credit.
My dad doesn’t crack a whole lot of jokes, but when he does, he is funny as hell. He is quality over quantity.
When I was in my early 20’s my whole family flew back east to attend a wedding. It was summer and it was HOT. We were at a marina, killing time before the wedding began. Every time I’d pass by a cousin or aunt they said, “Janene, your dad is looking for you!”
I kept my eyes peeled but couldn’t find my dad. Finally I see him, hurrying towards me with something in his hand. Something that was DRIPPING all over his suit.
“Dad, why are you running around with ice cream melting all over you??!”
“I saw a Good Humor truck”, he said. “They had Toasted Almond Bars…your favorite.”
A sweet, simple gesture that I bet he doesn’t even remember. But I do. I remember them all.
My dad is not a man of many words. My dad is a man of action.
And his actions have taught me more than he could ever know about being a good human.
So today, on Father’s Day, I would like to say thank you to my dad.
For always listening.
For always being supportive.
For always showing up.
I know not everyone is so lucky.
When I was younger and my mom and I used to butt heads, she would sometimes say to me, “You know, you are JUST like your father.”
I can only hope she is right.
Happy Father’s Day to my dad and all the other great dads out there…you make the world a better place.
P.S. This is the text my siblings and I got from my dad on Thursday…he Might Be Funny too!!
