Happy Father's Day, Dad

During the church service this morning there was time to share gratitude for Fathers. I loved hearing everybody's stories. And I sat there feeling a little bit sad for my dad because he totally deserves to be recognized, but I was too scared to do it. So I spent half of the sermon jotting down things I wanted to include in this blog post that I would have liked to say out loud.

My Dad. *cue tears*
First of all, you've been way more to me than just a dad. You've also been my:

coach

substitute teacher

chef

principal

Sunday school teacher

youth pastor

co-worker

boss

adviser

friend

You were always the loudest voice cheering at my soccer games - my coaches might not have appreciated it, but I did. The best part of my torturous, seven-year piano career was playing duets with you. Even better was falling asleep hearing you play and sing. I'll never forget Saturday morning Tickle Time or playing Tetris, Pac Man, Pitfall, Wacky Wheels, and Cosmo with you. Thank you for being our backyard quarterback and teaching us to run plays. Thank you for teaching me how to ride a two-wheeler, swim underwater, play softball, cook, drive a car, and so much more (Steven thanks you for my cooking skills too). 

I realize there were probably other reasons too, but to me you quit your corporate job to be more involved in our lives. Thank  you. A thousand times, thank you. You've never been more than a phone call away. I always loved my job as Milk Monitor because it was an excuse to call you in the middle of the day. You've always made me feel safe and understood.

I love talking with you. Joking with you. Listening to you teach, preach, sing, laugh, snore...

I think you're the greatest Dad ever and I love you a lot.