WHAT I KNOW ABOUT MY FATHER
It’s father’s day this weekend. And if you love your father to the moon, then then this story is for you. And if you don’t, then this story is for you too.
I’ve often thought of ways I could sum up a good explanation as to why my father hung the moon. Truth is I’m just not sure how to say it. There’s so many facets to my love for him and the person I am today. But I think I can sum up what I know about him and why I think he models for me, the true definition of father’s day.
What I know about my father is this.
He’s Hawaiian. Born and raised and you can almost see the ocean flowing out of him when he walks down the street with his island swagger. He’s salt of the earth. A true legend in his own right.
What I know about my father is he’s been the constant in my mother’s life and mine for all 43 years of my life.
He never waivers when it comes to us. To any of us. Family is first and it’s his fierce right to protect us, to love us and honor us all the days of his life.
What I know is he was the first example for me, of what love looked like. His love for Mom was real, beautiful (almost fictional) and men I loved had to measure up to a man like him.
And that’s not easy.
What I know about my father is he focused on what was best for his family and did everything in his power to make it the best. And he loved doing so. Still does.
It wasn’t always perfect all the time, but from what I remember he made everything seem overly special.
Even when you got a math problem right after getting many math problems wrong, he celebrated your every victory and made you believe in it.
The minute I had a gold record in my hand he reminded me then and every day since that I have a gold record.
He’s critiqued me when needed and disciplined me when a parent should, but always remained the loving kind and loyal father he always was and is.
What I know about my father is life wasn’t always easy or handed to him on a silver platter. But he took every step in stride and made life happen so we could all be on the ride. And the ride was fun and mostly just full of endless joy.
What I know about my father is even today he would go the distance for anyone of us in this family and never look back.
He’s taught us the immense dedication of what it takes to truly live life joyfully at the hands of his own making. He has done it ‘his way’.
I respect him, I love him and I’m eternally grateful to be lead by example on how to parent with love and compassion and never put your family second.
What I know about my father is he is beyond deserving of sitting in his condo on Kauai with Mom by his side drinking coffee on father’s day.
And I hope he rides a wave or two and realizes he’s built us a life not only worth living, but worth learning.
Happy father’s day to the first man I ever loved. You’re the greatest.
