I Love You, Dad

For the past 45 years my family and I have celebrated Father’s Day. Never once was it just another day.

You see, I’m one of the lucky ones. Lucky to have a father that was always there. A father that loved me. A father that taught me right from wrong. A father that loved his wife, his kids and his family more than some would think is fair. 

On May 9th, 2013 I said goodbye to my father. Yes, he was taken from us far before we thought he would be and long before it was fair for him to leave. I’ll never be able to explain the pain, just like I’m not able to explain the love I have for him. My dad taught me so much, he taught me things up until the hour of his death.

From a very young age, I can remember my dad teaching us about life, about family and about friendships. My dad would and could talk to anyone. He could fix anything. He made people from all walks of life feel like a best friend, this was truly a gift he had.

My Dad became sick in January of this year when he had the first of two heart attacks on a Sunday. A stint was placed in his heart and he was sent home on Tuesday. The following day, that stint failed and my dad had a massive heart attack that seems to have been what started months of struggles.

You know what happened during those months of struggles? My dad kept teaching me things. How to fight, how to love, how to cherish what you have.

On this Father’s Day I’m sad, I hurt and I miss my dad. On the other hand, I have three little boys and an amazing wife that want, need and deserve 100% of the father that I have been taught to be. Now and always I’m happy and lucky to say that 100% of me is always what they will get. I am going to cherish this day by holding my family close and loving them. After all, my father would expect nothing less.

Although the loss of my father hurts to no end, I’m not done celebrating Father’s Day. My mother, my brother and I were left clear instructions. Continue to love each other. Cherish family and friends. Be kind.

My father’s legacy lives on and I’m so glad to know I’ll see him again. He taught me that, too.

Nick and dad

I love you, dad…

Nick Bastian
Nick Bastian
Nick Bastian is a 31 year veteran of the real estate industry and enjoys his career very much. Nick is always available to "talk shop" with anyone that may have real estate related questions. "Just Call Nick" at 602-803-NICK (6425) - he's glad to help. Nick can also be found over on Instagram and Twitter ( @NickbastianAZ ) or out and about in the community making friends and having some fun.

13 Comments

  1. What a beautiful tribute Nick. Your Dad was indeed an amazing man. And most assuredly, everyone who knows you – will attest to the same qualities in you: Caring, loving, honest, dedicated to your family. Happy Father’s Day to you both.

  2. Kerry says:

    Love you Nick!

  3. Chris Lee says:

    You rock brother. I’m sorry about the loss of your dad but there is no better way to honor him. You are a great human.

  4. Tiffany Cloud says:

    You made me cry Nick, or rather… your love for your Dad loving you made me cry. What a beautiful gift your Dad has given you to pass onto your sons. You honor him with your life and there is no greater gift a son can give his father than that. Hugs friend.

  5. Jay Valento says:

    Happy Father’s Day Nick. My dad is hanging out in heaven right now…what a cool blessing that was to see him get saved two weeks before he passed away at 91.

  6. Peggy Young says:

    Happy Father’s Day Nick. What a wonderful tribute. By reading this I can see that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. You are your father’s son and you are a great Dad to those little boys. Your Dad is forever alive through you! Hugs and love to you and your family on this special day!

  7. Michelle Aldama says:

    Nick this always gets to me. Your Dad was such a wonderful, warm, happy and loving man. I am so lucky to have known him!!❤