My Dad: A Man of Integrity

My father is a wonderful man and has tried hard to always be the best father he knew how to be.
The busyness of life keeps us from seeing each other more than a handful of times during the year, but my father loves me and of this I have no doubt.
Growing up, my dad always had the job of disciplinarian at our house......quite frankly I think he did a pretty good job of this, because I turned out not too bad.  He taught us right from wrong and was very consistent in his ways. When he said ‘no’ he meant ‘no’. We never needed to ask twice because we knew his answer wouldn’t change. I wish I had inherited a little of this wonderful trait to pass on to my own children. As it stands I went totally the other way on this one....one word from me and everyone does whatever they please.
My father taught me respect for others too, something that many of my friends growing up never had the benefit of learning.  In later years I truly grew to appreciate the things my father instilled in me especially with regards to respecting those older than me.
My father was a generous man always being sure his family was well provided for even if that meant he had to go without. I remember him being on night shifts and the many hours of overtime he did just to make the ends meet.
I have wonderful memories of dad teaching me to sing along with him while he played guitar. We visited many a nursing home and children’s homes singing for the residence. He did this with me well into my teen years.  I still have a tape recording of me at 2 years old singing “Let the Sunshine In”.  It was dads way of spending quality time with me.
My father had a gregarious laugh (maybe that’s where I get mine from) and once he got going it turned into a high pitched hyena sound. It was contagious....I loved when that happened.
I remember watching the Kung Foo movies with him for hours (all English dubbed) every Saturday morning. It was the highlight of my week. I still love when they come on. They remind me of my childhood.
Once I got older dad became my own private taxi driver, ready to take me wherever I needed to go.
Dad was always good with a video camera too.  Thanks to him I have hours of footage from the time I was a baby right on up to when my own kids were born.
Many of my friends no longer have their fathers with them.  I am so fortunate to still have him around.  He is a wonderful grandfather too.  My kids can hardly wait to open his corny cards whenever they arrive in the mail.  They love the gifts too but it’s the cards that everyone gathers around to see.  You’d have to read one of them too truly understand what a ham my father really is.
Dad will be 80 years old this coming May. I can hardly believe it. Our family has a great deal to celebrate in this and much to praise the Lord for.
My parents took me to church every single Sunday from the time I was born until I left home, for this I will be eternally grateful.  We were never rich growing up and sometimes my parents struggled to pay the bills but they passed on the greatest treasure that could ever be given to any child; the gift of knowing Jesus Christ.  Is there a better legacy that a parent can leave for their child? I personally don’t believe there is anything more precious or more important.
Thanks Dad.