Meet the Real-Life Dream Time: Dad

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.

You know you're in safe hands with Dad behind wheel of the sailboat.

Meet the Real-Life Dream Team: Mom

Member when I was this big? I don't, but Mom does. Photo via Melgar52 on Flickr.

So I have this theory about the mom/daughter relationship dynamic: it can be a challenge, but because it teaches us to communicate better, love unconditionally, and listen fully, it can be one of the most rewarding connections you build in a lifetime.

Mom: she's the one who used to set out your folded and fresh-smelling clothes after the laundry finished late and you were already in bed. Your mum: the author behind countless brown-bag lunch love notes, email reminders to keep you on track, and sentimental Hallmark cards for every occaision. She bought you a box of chocolates every Valentine's, even the ones when you didn't have a real date planned or the ones where you were thousands of miles away at college. Moma: the one who slips gas and grocery money into your pockets when you didn't even ask. The forgiver of offenses large and small: the chores you didn't finish, the lies you've been hiding, the emotional burdens you've been carrying for way too long. Momma: she's been there from the start. She carried you around in her tummy, and there's no getting past that sort of bond.

I'll admit it -- sometimes my mom and I disagree, or attempt (unsuccessfully) to read each others' minds, which can lead to confusion or little squabbles and hurt feelings. But hands down, she reads me like a book. She knows when something's up.

And it hurts her more than anything not to be there for me when she does.

Now there just aren't many people in life like that!

My mom's helped me through thick and thin: growing up in two households, getting through the daily battle that is high school, transitioning to college, preparing for my first snowy winter, dealing with the ups and downs of a life lived half a country away from your family, surviving anxiety and personal breakdowns, recovering from restlessness, planning trips, and remembering my faith through it all.

Recently she has earned gold medals in wedding preparation, working from home, caring for the two best pups in the world, playing with her grandson, loving her kids no matter what, and putting her family first. Always. Oh, and I almost forgot: singing superior soprano choir parts! Lovely. (Note: no, unfortunately, I didn't inherit my mom's singing voice. Or her flawless, youthful, glowing skin (Sister got that one!)...although I did manage to pick up her ability to tan extremely quickly. Yeah!)

I'm posting about her here because she's a key part of 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 sis and our twinship, and no doubt these are the two most important ladies in my life.

The difference with mom? She's my biggest role model, faith mentor, and source of unreserved support and love. In my family -- and I'm sure my siblings would agree wholeheartedly -- there is an unspoken truth that has always remained true: if you've got something you're struggling with, Mom will be there for you. Even if it hurts at first. Even if it takes awhile. Even if the cost is high, and the stakes higher.

She just loves you no matter what, no questions asked. You can trust her and you never have to worry that she trusts you more. Her love will continue to surprise you, outlast the circumstances, give you more than you thought you could handle. And chances are, it will turn out that you needed it all along and she just knew it before you could realize.

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?

Here I am, Moma. I miss you like crazy and I can't WAIT for a few weeks from now when we get to catch up in person. I love you with my whole heart and I am so, so grateful that back in the day you braved Bikram's torture chamber with me! You gave me the inspiration to try it, stick with it, and keep growing. Hmmm, sounds a bit like what you've given me in life all along, huh? Love you, Mom, and see you soon!

No, Mom won't be walking me down the aisle on The Big Day, but goodness knows her behind-the-scenes help will be helping more than words can say. Photo Via Tofurious.