Just Dad

With Father’s Day right around the corner it got me reflecting on my own father, and my relationship with him and what an important impact he has, and continues to have on me.

I’m lucky. My Dad is an ambitious, hardworking and successful man. His ambition and hard work paid off as he has been able to own and operate his own company, volunteer and sit on many boards, and as of the last few years he has fulfilled his life-long dream of being a successful Politician.

 

I admire my father’s ambitions and successes. He taught me ambition through example, as well as caused me to strive for an ambitious partner in life, for that I am forever grateful.

Even with all of his ambitions and successes the best part about my Dad is just that – he’s my Dad and although I am immensely proud of him the best part of spending time with him is that he’s Just Dad.

Here’s what I love about him – and what makes him Just Dad

• He loves music, and has passed along his joy of music to me. Growing up we’d lie on the living room floor together with my sisters and listen to, or sing along to his records which included The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, James Taylor and many more fine artists.  You better believe that I chose You’ve Got a Friend by James Taylor (http://youtu.be/xEkIou3WFnM) for my wedding dance with my Dad. Every lyric of that song exemplifies my relationship with my Dad.

 

• He has a passion for cooking, and is an amazing cook! My Dad always makes the best food and trust me there is ZERO calorie counting here! It’s typically rich and buttery and absolutely delicious. Over the year’s his cooking and love of food has created gatherings, and connections. I’ll never forget his bread baking Saturdays growing up as a child where he’d bake endless amounts of divine homemade bread – Sunday’s we’d then go visiting family and friends bearing the priceless gift of Dad’s bread.

• He makes a mean cocktail! Few people know that my Dad took a bartending course years back which frankly makes him the best cocktail mixer of all time! His martini’s are my all-time favourite and I’ve got plenty of memories (albeit fuzzy) of him mixing up batches of martini’s at the ski chalet with friends and family.

 

• He always makes time for reflection. Even though my Dad’s schedule has always remained hectic he always finds the time (at least once a week) to meditate or reflect, I appreciate him teaching me the importance of this.

• He’s always there for me. My Dad has always been there for me – especially when it matters most. He was instrumental in supporting me during my University Years at Laurier University, and was there for me during a rough time in high-school with unconditional love and acceptance for my irrational self. I have vivid memories of moves coupled with IKEA trips followed by hours of IKEA furniture assembly that my Dad assisted me with (okay who I am I kidding – he did it all!) when I was getting newly set-up in apartments away from home and trying to get on my feet as an adult.

• He realizes the importance of family time. Growing up I have wonderful memories of my Dad, despite his busy schedule creating family time whether it be annual RV trips to Disneyworld, weekends at the ski chalet, family boat trips, cottage stays etc. We always had family time with my Dad – and we always had fun!

• He puts family first. This was particularly clearly illustrated to me when my brother was sick with Cancer growing up. At the time, my Dad owned and was running his own renovation company. He put everything on hold to be with my brother, and my Mom 24/7.

• He is my biggest, best, and most loyal cheerleader. From a very young age my Dad always told me that I was beautiful and that I could do ANYTHING I wanted with my life, he made me feel loved, and accepted but more than that I really did grow up thinking that the sky was the limit, how liberating!

• He accepts me no matter what, and loves me unconditionally. Sick or unhealthy, skinny or fat, good mood or bad, pregnant and hormonal, or three sheets to the wind my Dad accepts me, and welcomes me with open arms no matter what. By doing this he has, and continues to instill me with self-confidence.

Although I am not able to spend as much time as I used to with my Dad given mine and his hectic schedules I know that he is always with me in life cheering me on, having my back and continuously supporting me. Now that I have my own children Dad is a Grandpa (or better known as Papa to his grandkids). I get such joy watching him spend time with my kids and continuing to share his Just Dad qualities with them.

Happy Fathers Day!