I hope you all had a fantastic father’s day with all of the role models you call “Dad” in your life. From your Grandpa sharing his old war stories to your uncle who had to put up with your mother growing up (hehe). All kidding aside, parents take on a large responsibility and aren’t handed a dummies guide to raising a child. Instead of the Facebook post that everyone puts together, I decided it was time I paid respect to my mentor and biggest fan (Tied with my mother of course). I compiled a list of five things I am grateful my father did growing up and how it impacted who I am today.
Be There
Every soccer game, school play, track meet, spelling bee, and pinewood derby is an opportunity to show you care about someone. I can’t remember a tournament or random event I had during my childhood my father didn’t give his all to be present at. In fact, my dad took the responsibility of being my team’s coach growing up in a majority of situations (pictured above). Being there is by no means an easy task, but it is especially hard as a traveling sales representative. His support and expressed interest has allowed me to grow and pursue passions that I may have given up on at a young age.
Did What He Said
In the most cliché sense of the header above, you need to talk the talk and walk the walk. Flakiness is a poisonous habit and a very easy thing to pick up as a child. Commitment has always been a priority in my family and I couldn’t be happier about the moral compass instilled in me. As a track superstar at Eastern Michigan University, my dad continued to push his own limits against all odds. This mentality put me through plenty of father led track workouts, soccer and basketball training, and yard work (ugh). As much as I hated these growing up I wouldn’t have had it any other way.
Let Me Make My Own Mistakes
It can be easy telling a child not to do something because they aren’t good at it. But why would you take away that great learning experience and opportunity to try for something they love. I can relate to this as I was 5’2″ 90 pounds freshman year in high school and an aspiring Michael Jordan. I was by no means a popular kid, nor was I the image of a star athlete. That didn’t stop my dad from scraping the world up and down for inspirational stories, quotes, and role models to help me reach for my dreams.
Embraced Different
There is no telling who or what your child will be passionate about or excel at. The most appealing skill set in the workplace is adaptability, so why would parenting be any different. I can guarantee I was no exception when it comes to being different. When I said I wanted to design the next Jordan shoe model, my dad didn’t even blink before he handed me a sketch book and assorted artistic colored pencils. Who knows, a child could even create their own pathway that no one has discovered.
Was Supportive When No One Else Was
This header explains itself but is no less important. I look up to my father and would be thankful if I was half the man he was. I hope you gave all the male role models in your life some love this past Sunday and continue to appreciate the sacrifices they made for you to get you where you are.
To sign off, my dad wouldn’t be where he is without the support of my mom so send some love her way as well!
Stay casual until next Tuesday,
EVB
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