It’s odd to look back at your life and figure out how you turned out the way you did.  I really don’t have to look very far.

Contrary to what some people might think, I’m much more like my father than I am my mother.  My dad is calm under pressure.  Doesn’t really worry about much of anything until there’s something to worry about.  He’s fiercely loyal to his family and friends.  Kind and helpful to people whenever he can be.  He hates being made fun of.  Can’t sit still (unless he’s napping).  He’s smart and driven and takes charge.

Now, replace the “he’s” with “Leann’s” or “I am’s” and you’ve just described me.

I also get my love of sports from him.  He was a coach when he first started teaching.  Football and baseball.  In fact, my mom kept book for the baseball team when they were dating.  I get my fanaticism and vigor for the different teams I pull for from my mom.  But the basic and complete love of sports comes from dad.

It’s because of these things that I wouldn’t change one thing about the person I am because if I wanted to change who I am, then that somehow means I would want to change the person my father is.  Sometimes I think part of my problem finding someone to settle down with is because no one holds a candle to the example of a man my father is.  It’s a tall order and since my father’s one in a million, I’m pretty sure I’ve set myself up to be single for life.

I’m pretty sure this is OK with him since he told me I wasn’t allowed to date until I was 35.  Four more years, people, and I’m available!  Mark those calendars. 

In all seriousness, I wish my nephew really knew how lucky he is to have the grandfather he has.  He’ll think it’s normal to have a grandpa who could spend 24/7/365 with him and not get his fill of Lincoln.  He won’t know that the amount of love my father has for him is truly immeasurable.  He won’t know that the simple act of sitting on grandpa’s lap while grandpa reads him a book is the single greatest human experience my father could ever dream of.  Because Lincoln will only see these things as standard operating procedure…what is expected of a grandfather.  But some day, when Lincoln has his own grandchildren, he’ll understand and he’ll have the best example in the world to mirror.

Happy Father’s Day, daddy!