Yesterday I made the 2.5 hour drive from my parents house, returning to Mechanicsburg, after visiting my parents for Father’s Day. I love long rides because I have time to think. This idea developed somewhere near the Bedford exit. So I came home and wrote it out on a Facebook Post:
When you’re born, you love your dad. He is YOUR dad and for the rest of your life you will love him no matter what or why.
When you’re a child, you look up to him. Almost everyone does, if dad is around and showing even a hint of affection.
When you’re an adolescent or young adult, you question him. For some it’s outright rebellion and for others it’s a simple matter of exerting some independence. For most, it’s the delicate dance of letting go and holding on.
When you’re an adult, some (definitely fewer) truly admire and respect their dad. What he stands for, values, and believes. The history of how he responds and behaves through life’s ups and downs. There are no shortcuts here, no “hacks” or faking. This one is earned over long years. The truth comes out.
When you get to middle age or older, some basically become their dad. Or very close to it.
I catch myself thinking like and doing many of the same things my dad has done for years. “Wait, where did that come from?” moments. It is the ultimate form of flattery, if dads cared for flattery.
In time, dads reach granddad status. A few of them become legendary. Both of my grandads have been cemented into my mind as some sort of icons, and I now remember only their strengths. But they were and are worthy of it. They were concerned and available and giving through all phases.
Thankful for my dad and granddads as well!
Bonny Lane Club 