My Favorite Father's Day Gift

The following was written by my daughter Kristine last year, and since Father's Day is here I thought I run it. What a great kid, eh?

In spirit of Father’s Day, I thought I would say thank you to my dad for all he has done for me. I feel so incredibly lucky that I grew up with a father who cared so much not only about what was good for his daughters, but also what we wanted to achieve. He was also never short on telling us funny jokes, making us laugh with his hilarious demeanor, and playing with us in our silly games.

My dad has so much to do with the person that I am today and I would like to think that I have taken some of his skills and positive qualities with me. His wit, kindness, musical artistry, writing skills, the ability to stand up for himself, his frugality, love of history, love of horses, and, he would never forgive me if I didn’t mention the attractive traits of the Napier Family (ha ha). He will also go to the edge of the earth for his family and is always there for us when we need him most. It’s even an inspiration to me that he has given up [caffeine free] Diet Coke after God-knows-how-many years of him drinking it. My dad himself probably thinks it’s no big deal, but I think it’s pretty great that he didn’t decide to stay stuck in his old ways.

Sometimes we don’t realize how good we have it while we are growing up.  I, for one, had a dad who continuously supported me and my sister’s love of riding horses from the time we were 10 & 11 until we were 14 & 15. We only stopped because of my decision to do so.  During that time, we were both so passionate about horses–we did not even mind picking up horse poop for free just to be around horses. He drove us back and forth so many times on Saturdays and during the week when he was also working full-time.  He devoted to us about as much time, or more, than we did to our horses and I will never ever forget all that he did especially during that time.  My dad has also supported me and my sister’s educational goals as much as possible, which is also a wonderful gift.  My drive to score high grades and always persevere when academics seem challenging has come from him as well.  As I get older, I realize more and more what a great dad, and parents, I have.

I can never repay you for all that you have done for me, dad, because it is completely invaluable.  But I can try.

Thank You and Happy Father’s Day to my favorite dad in the world. I love you!