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Health & Fitness

Hand in Hand

Father's Day is coming up. What did your dad teach you?

Fathers are strong and protective. They’re who you run to when you’re scared. They teach you right from wrong. Show you how to fish, how to tie your shoes, how to tie your tie. Expect the best for you. Want more for you than they had for themselves.

 

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When I was little, my father was the handsomest man alive. He was strong yet patient. Determined yet kind. When he laughed his voice boomed. When he held me in his arms I knew I was safe.

 

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We haven’t always seen eye-to-eye. It’s taken me many years to understand my father’s point of view. To embrace his gift. His heart. His caring. His love.  He is truly an amazing person and the most generous man I know.

 

A couple years ago I wanted to show my appreciation for Father’s Day and a beautiful memory came to mind. I was four years old and afraid of the ocean. I liked dipping my toes in the water, but the waves terrified me. The cold water would splash my whole body and the sand would rush out from under my feet. I was afraid I would fall. I was afraid the ocean would swallow me. My father understood my fears but he loved the exhilaration of the waves and he wanted me to love them too.

 

This is the little story I sent my father.

 

A Day at the Beach

 

She held his hand, her tiny fingers entwined with his large ones. Her toes sank into the soft sand. Wind whipped her pale blond hair. The sun beat on her shoulders.

 

The wave rolled in and bumped her legs. Cold water splashed her thighs and stomach. “Daddy!” she screamed.

 

“I have you,” he said. His grip tightened gently.

 

She looked up, way up, to see his eyes sparkle, see his brilliant smile. Then she looked down again as another wave roared in. A huge wall loomed, threatened.

 

“Daddy!” she screamed again.

 

And as the water rushed forward, he lifted her high, holding her safe in his arms.

 

 

This Father’s Day, show your dad how much you love him. It doesn’t take a new grill or fishing rod or even another tie. What it does take is a minute or two to share your heart.

 

What did your father teach you? How did he help mold you into what you are now? What special memories of him do you remember? What do you tell your kids about your dad?

 

Please add your comments below. I’d love to hear from you. And Happy Father’s Day to all the amazing dads. We love you dearly.

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