If you've watched"Modern Family" - you've witnessed a fairly good depiction of how I was raised on one side of the Parent equation. You see- Claire and all her tough-love and strict Parenting - is my Dad. While others I know were talking their way out of Groundings and getting money from their parents that they didn't have to pay back- I was STUCK at home Grounded (when I warranted 'grounding' there was no way I could finagle my way out of it) and creating Payment Plans to be a responsible loan-borrower from my Dad. My Dad believe(s)(ed) that the best way to prepare you for life ahead- is to show you that life will not be fair or easy, but if done with finesse and care, can be a wonderful existence.
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| My Sister (standing), My Dad and Me- proving the theory that Dads are the Original Hipsters |
For as many days as I wasted fighting with my Dad in my youth and cursing his rules, I also spent reaping the rewards of his lessons: through persistent job hunting, I have a very good job; I know my way around a tool kit; I enjoy throwing the football; I believe that financial success means you MUST start to give back where you can; I do not (and haven't ever) felt like I'm some untouchable Princess. This will forever keep me capable, grounded and willing to work for what I want. And of course my Dad is fun too, he made Sunday morning breakfasts a blast, had me thinking the Denver Broncos were God's gift to Humans and he never says no to a game of Donkey Kong or Cribbage.
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| Dad, Brother and Me |
Due to my Dad's inherent nature of being such a Parent to my Siblings and Me, we always talk about what he must have been like before work, before kids, before adult responsiblity- it's so hard to picture. However, I imagine that he was a bit wilder/crazy than he'd like us to imagine- someday I will get my Mom and Aunt/Uncles to tell me the truth.
Regardless- my tough, goofy Dad gave me a life of stability, love, tenderness and care. For few love his kids as much as my Dad loves his. And for that- I am forever and ever grateful.
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| Skiing with my Dad- one of the many things he taught me. See you at the bottom! |
Happiest Birthday, Dad. Love you always and always. And thank you so much for not letting me grow up a Brat.
In the simplest terms- thank you for always being there.
16 comments:
I hope your Dad has an amazing birthday, it sounds like he is an amazing father.
I've often wondered what my parents were like as young people.. I expect my Mum was an even more boring version of me ( like all the nerdiness and none of the quirkiness) but my dad is a huge mystery.. it's weird to imagine that they had entire lives before we came along right?
Agree with Kate, he sounds amazning/wonderful.
Happy, happy birthday to your dad!!
Hope you guys have fun celebrating.
Awww...this is such a sweet post, Caitlin! I think it's awesome that your dad's lessons have shaped you into the (incredibly amazing) person you are today.
Happy, Happy Birthday to your dad!! :)
Sounds like a wonderful father, especailly not letting you grow up to be a brat haha the world would be better off if more did the same, too many brats around haha
Happy birthday to your dad, thanks for sharing such a personal story from your youth.
xx Jenee C.
{camo meets couture}
Awe, what a great post for/about your dad. It sounds like the two of you have a great relationship, and I think that is one of the most important relationships to have. It sounds like he raised you just the way my dad raised me, and just the way I hope that Ben and I will raise our kids. Happy Birthday to your Dad!
Happy Birthday to your dad!
Such a cute post!! Your Dad sounds like a great man! Some of what you said reminds me of mine.. :) Enjoy every moment with him! It goes so fast!
Cute post. I cannot, for the life of me, imagine Dad in a world without structure, responsibility and rules - hahaha. Love that first pic of us - so cute. And Dad's suspenders are amazing.
I love your dad posts! They are always so amazing! What a great parent!
Awwww this is adorable!
A very happy birthday to a wonderful father!!!
:)
xx
Wow such a sweet post! I love the posts you write about your family, specifically your dad - you write so honestly about how much you admire him, it's really touching.
xoxo Bree
The Urban Umbrella
http://www.theurbanumbrella.com
:') Happy birthday to your daddy! Mine just celebrated his 56th too (Oct 15) and is similarly goofy, dependable and admirable. Gosh we are lucky ladies.
such a very sweet post dear! belated happy birthday to your dad! :-)
Babi
Having an incredible dad is such a rare find these days! Sounds like yours is a lot like mine! He like he did a great job raising you! Your love for him is so evident and I know that has to touch him deeply!
Awww, happy belated to your Papa! He sounds like a wonderful one!
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