Father's Day

Father's Day.  It comes once every year, but I really think it should be celebrated everyday.  Fathers are so important in our lives.  My heart aches for those who don't know their fathers.  They play such a vital role.

My dad means everything to me.  I'm so blessed that he's been there all my life. He has shown me how a man is supposed to treat a woman, what a marriage is all about, and he's taught me more life lessons than could ever be told.  My favorite one is about wealth.

I remember riding in the car one evening on our way to eat dinner.  I was about eight years old.  We were talking about wealth, for some reason, and he told my brother and I that we were so rich.  I laughed at him and told him we were not because  we had an old car.  He told me I had it all wrong.  Wealth is NOT measured by how much money you have, but by how much love you have.  So in that case, we were filthy rich.  I have never forgotten that and never will.  It totally changed my perspective on life.  I can't wait to teach my children that same lesson one day.

My dad has given me so much - his stubborn personality, his nose, a love for cooking, he instilled the importance of family,  he gave me a roof over my head the majority of my life, we had amazing family vacations that I'll never forget...but most importantly of all, he gave me his TIME.  He was always there.  Whether it was taking me to dance or gymnastics classes, teaching me to dive and swim, teaching me to ride my bike (in our garage), or listening to me and giving me advice about boys, he was there.  There's not a moment of my life when I can't remember my dad not being there for me.  That time was worth more than anything money could buy.

Circa 1989

Father's Day 2012

What an amazing man.  I'm so blessed to have him as my father!  He has one of the kindest souls of anyone I know.  He would literally give until he had none.  I'm thankful for his love and his example in my life.

I'm also incredibly thankful for my heavenly Father.  Without Him, I wouldn't be blessed with my earthly father.  Thank God for His endless mercy on my life.

I love you, Dad!