Happy Fathers Day-Ode to Dad

Needless to say, my dad is one of the most influential people in my life. I think I have written about my family extensively on this blog, as I miss them and think about them all the time. Today I am thinking about my dad. I used to think of him as harsh, yet just at the same time. The generation gap that separated us never seemed to get any narrower but as I have matured and grown I have come to appreciate him more and more.

Dear Dad,

Your rules and your voice are the things that drive me and made me who I am today in spite of all my faults and all my past bad decisions.. I hope that I will have the strength to teach my child what I have learned from both you and mom.

Love,
Gina


Dad's Tidbits aka Dad's Ten Commandments

1. Scene: I am 7-8 and get straight A's for the first time.

Me: "Dad, my friend got 5 A's on her last report card and she got 5 dollars for each A. Do you think I could get the same thing? I got all A's this time."

Dad: "I think your friends' dad is doing a stupid thing. He is encouraging his child to get good grades for money. I want you to get good grades because getting good grades is good for you, much better than money."

2. Scene: I was 16 and got my first new car.

Dad: "Before you take your car out, show me the spare tire and the jack. Read the spare tire."

Me: "Infate only to 90 psi."

Dad: "No, that is not what I want you to see, look and read again."

Me: " I don't see what you want me to read."

Dad: sighs and says "See this, (points) For TEMPORARY use ONLY." "That means if you get a flat tire, change it immediately to the spare and go to get the tire fixed right away."

Me: "Yes, dad."

3. Dad: "Work first, play later."

4. Dad: "I don't know", is not a good enough answer."

5. Dad: "Honesty is important even if it is not to your benefit."

6. Dad: "Borrowing money is not what I taught you."

7. Dad: "If it's your responsibility, do it."

8. Dad: "Try to lead a balanced life."

9. Dad: "This is not a hotel, come home after curfew and you will find the door locked." "Don't like the food, eat somewhere else, don't like the rules, live somewhere else."

10. Dad: "Respect your elders and be loyal to your family."

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