Father's Day Thoughts

Well, last Sunday was Father's Day, and it made me think about both my mom and dad, and the characteristics I've picked up from them.

In so many ways I am most definitely my mother's daughter. I'm stubborn and head strong. I get frustrated easily, I'm impulsive, I'm determined, and I am passionate like my mother. Every now and then I catch myself using phrased I can hear coming directly out of my mothers mouth. It always makes me laugh when I tell Tyler he better "shape up". My mother is a very complicated woman, and we have a very difficult relationship most of the time. It's a personality clash because we often have too much in common.

My dad on the other hand has taught me what I want to be and what I expect others to be. My dad has so much strength and dignity, even at the most difficult times. My dad is probably the most decent person I've ever known. The year Tyler was gone, I lived at home with my dad, and I really got to know him as a person, and not so much as my "dad". He's intelligent and kind, with the kind of faith and integrity that I envy, and a love for his family, my brother John and I, and his precious granddaughters that is unwavering. When I screw up in my life, I never question if my dad still loves me, because that is when he shows me just how deep his love for me is. My mom on the other hand, even when I do the right thing, I'm never quite sure if she even likes me, let alone loves me. This is similar to how love worked with my grandparents as well. Even when I do my best I'm never quite sure if it's enough for my grandma, but when I screwed up my grandpa was always there to tell me how very wrong I am but also how very much he loves me. I really miss him.