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.
I love you, dad…
13 Comments
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.
Thank you SO much, Calie. I truly appreciate the friendship of you and your beautiful family.
Love you Nick!
Love you too, my friend!
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.
Thanks so much for the kind words, my friend. Happy Father’s Day to you! You have such a BEAUTIFUL family!
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.
Thank you, Tiff!
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.
Thanks, Jay!
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!
Thanks so much for your kind words, Peggy!
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!!❤