Today I'd like to explain (as completely as I can on a blog) why I am so thankful for my Father.
My Dad came from a family of 12-number 4 of 12 to be exact. My Grandfather had a excavating business and my Grandmother stayed at home with the kids, as was standard at that time. As you can imagine, money was scarce. None of the kids were able to attend college, but most were fortunate enough to find good paying jobs which allowed them to support their families. My Dad was no exception.
My Dad worked for over 42 years for one of the Big Three Automakers. That job allowed him to support a family of three daughters and my Mom, without her having to work outside of the home. My sisters and I never had "everything the other kids had" but we never went without a thing we needed. My Dad's hard work took care of all of us.
Over the years, some people would criticize my Dad for "only being a factory worker." This assessment never ceased to baffle me-I have always known that my Dad is one of the wisest people I have known. Let me be clear about what that "factory worker" taught me.
First of all, he taught me the importance of being able to take care of myself-especially as a woman. He taught me the value of an education and a stable career, so I would never have to depend on someone else to take care of me. He taught me to never give up on my dreams-if I wanted something badly enough and worked hard enough, I'd be able to achieve it. He taught me to have self-confidence in all aspects of my life, and that I can be as good (or better) than anyone in any situation. He taught me to always follow my gut, my instincts. If something or someone did not seem right or genuine, they weren't and to never second guess myself. He taught me to never allow someone to mistreat me or anyone I love-if they mistreat you, you don't need them in your life. The most important thing my Dad has taught me is the true meaning of a parent. He has always given endless and UNCONDITIONAL love, supported us even when he might not always agree with our decisions, and sacrificed dearly to be sure his kids always had everything they needed, going without time and time again so his family did not have to.
Now his kids are adults with children of their own. I still talk to my Dad at least twice a day, still go to him for advice, and he is always there for me. But since my Mom died in 2000, he has in a sense, had to serve as both Nana and Papa-undoubtedly a tough role to fill. But he extends that same unconditional love to his grandchildren-all 8 of them. I have been blessed to see this time and time again, especially with our own daughter. In January I blogged about what a difference he has made in the life of a little girl from half way around the world (A Girl & Her Papa)
If you have not yet read that post, please drop over there and see what I am talking about. Yet another reason I am thankful for my Dad.
