NOW it’s Father’s Day!

I judge most fathers pretty harshly because I’m constantly comparing them to my dad. He’s pretty much the most awesome dad ever. As far back as I can remember (which is pretty far, I have memories that go back to before I was a year old), my dad has been as much a part of my life as my mom. I remember riding around on his shoulders, crawling around him on the couch while he tried to read, watching Star Trek with him, playing silly games with him, “helping” him with house work – you know, the usual stuff.

One of my strongest memories may not be a happy memory, per se, but it is a memory that makes me spill over with love for him. When I was five years old, I was burned in an accident with boiling water. I was burned over the majority of my body. I remember the entire thing very clearly. But what I remember most, is the ride home from the hospital and my dad carrying me. I remember his voice when he asked me if I was okay. I remember, even though I couldn’t move, even though the sun was in my eyes, I remember feeling safe and taken care of.

That’s how my dad makes me feel every day of my life. Thanks, Dad.