I Admire My Father
I often compare my 'childhood' years to the Wonder Years. I swear to god that could have been MY family! Right down to me being the oldest (daughter) and having two younger brothers. My dad would leave the house by 5:30 in the morning and be home by 5:30 in the evening. Being a kid, I never realized what that meant in terms of working hours that my dad put in. I vividly can recall Mom, my brothers and I all at the table, dinner ready and my dad walking in the front door. He wouldn't say much, just put down his stuff and sit at the table to eat.
Looking back, I realize what my dad did for his family. We had it very good growing up, and I know that was due to my dad's hard work. He worked in a profession where he knew a lot of people, and living in a small town, meant no getting away with a lot! Boy did I learn that the hard way! My dad's favorite saying was, "Guilty by Association". Oh boy. I sure heard that a time or two!
I really have found that with age comes wisdom. I am starting to have a much better relationship with my dad. I am very thankful for that. I am proud to take what I learned from him and pass along to my own children.
