Yep, that's him! My dad in action -- surveying a disaster zone where he helped real people recover. He's amazing! And now an expert in weather, government reports, travel, and how to get the best deal on rental cars you can find... as well as dealing with the public, keeping in touch with his family no matter the distance, and meeting for random airport get-togethers :)
Father Person. Papa Bear. Dad to the rescue. Dad the Gearhead. Dad the invincible. Dad the inspiring. My Pops, my Old Man, my #1 Hero.
Hey Bikram yogis, meet my dad!
Chances are, he's cooler than your younger cousin that you like to drink with, or talk to about space travel, or ask for advice on how to land a cool job or tell funny jokes. Actually, all chances aside, my dad hands down beats your younger cousin on all of those fronts.
And he also kicks butt as a sailor, writer, eBay expert, car mechanic, Robert Ludlum reader, neighborhood kitty rescuer, newspaper clipper, and campfire storyteller. My dad's hiking, biking and shot-glass collecting skills could seriously knock your socks off.
Plus, he's an SBA employee who changes lives by helping families impacted by disaster get by when it seems like the world's been turned upside down by hurricanes, tornadoes and wildfires. He's a friend to friends who enjoy good conversation, funny stories, and genuine wisdom. He's a husband who appreciates fully, adventures without abandon, and loves with his whole, big, puppy-dog heart (you know, the kind of guy who leaves little love notes around in the kitchen after having a delicious meal the night before-- a good example of a true southern gentleman!)
When my dad's around, I can always count on good hugs, good laughs, and really honest, heartfelt help from someone who's been through a lot. There was a time earlier this year, in fact, when conversations with my dad helped me get through some of the hardest stuff I've ever dealt with. He was a constant reminder of how much I am loved by my family, and perhaps most of all by the Dad who shares my love of words, my wild imagination (for better or worse), and my shrewd ability to observe the world around me.
I'm posting about him here because my dad's a constant source of inspiration, wacky bits from around the Internet (we have the best email thread conversations of anyone I know), news commentary, travel stories, and honest advice for how to survive the world.
My dad's not afraid to make fun of me sometimes, or bump my knee from behind and ask, "Did you feel that earthquake?" We all need smiles like that, you know == the ones you weren't planning for.
My dad's at the top of the list for my recent series on people in my life outside the hot room that I'm trying to consciously appreciate more. Last week I posted about my mom and my sis, but sometimes I think Dad and I have more Koontz family genes in common than I do with anyone else.
Who in your life outside the hot room should you be consciously appreciating more?
It's easy to be thankful for those in your life that show up a couple times a week, or who you know vaguely, but what about your immediate family-- those whose flaws and weaknesses you are quite familiar with? When is the last time you actively thanked them for your relationship?
I love you, Dad, and I'm so grateful for your leadership, your love, and all the little silly things you do to keep life interesting. No matter how old I get or how much I grow up -- or even after you walk me down the aisle in a couple days -- no matter what, I'll always be your Rachel Dachel Bagel.
My dad's at the top of the list for my recent series on people in my life outside the hot room that I'm trying to consciously appreciate more. Last week I posted about my mom and my sis, but sometimes I think Dad and I have more Koontz family genes in common than I do with anyone else.
Who in your life outside the hot room should you be consciously appreciating more?
It's easy to be thankful for those in your life that show up a couple times a week, or who you know vaguely, but what about your immediate family-- those whose flaws and weaknesses you are quite familiar with? When is the last time you actively thanked them for your relationship?
I love you, Dad, and I'm so grateful for your leadership, your love, and all the little silly things you do to keep life interesting. No matter how old I get or how much I grow up -- or even after you walk me down the aisle in a couple days -- no matter what, I'll always be your Rachel Dachel Bagel.
You know you're in safe hands with Dad behind wheel of the sailboat.
No comments:
Post a Comment