My Dad

My dad turned 60 this week. His dad turned 60 in 1988 and died 3 years later. His mom will turn 90 this year. I have written many a blog about my kids, but not enough about being on the receiving end of parenting.

About sneaking into my dad's office in the evening while he was on the dictaphone drafting memos to have him use his pen to write letters on my legos so my buildings could have signs.

About the heartfelt note he left in my bathroom on the eve of my first student council election in high school telling me that he was proud of me whether or not I won (I did).

About how he coached my and my brother's little league team.

About the awe and pride I saw in his face when I scored over 1400 on the SATs.

About how he believed in me and supported me financially as a newlywed with kids so I could go to college rather than joining the military.

About how he punched a hole in the wall when I knocked out my front teeth playing hockey.

About the many political conversations that occured over dinner which instilled in me a respect and love for history.

About how he let me play on his Compaq laptop computer - one of those blue screen ones.

About how he turned down promotion after promotion because he wanted the best life for us in the suburbs of Atlanta rather than in New York City and us kids had already endured the stress of moving several times.

About how I tear up every time I watch October Sky when Homer Hickam says to his dad "Werner Von Braun isn't my hero, you're my hero" because it so perfectly encapsulates the way I feel about my dad in a way I've never been able to express to him.

My dad wasn't perfect - nobody is - but he always made fatherhood a priority in his life and I would not be who I am today without his help and guidance. I stand on the shoulder of a giant when I strive to set up the necessary conditions for my own children to succeed. In the end our day to day role in parenting diminishes and we eventually pass into oblivion, but what we have given them echoes into eternity. Every father gives their offspring genes. My father gave me some of the best memes as well, and for that I will be grateful until the end of my days.