In Rolling stone's article, "20 Best and Worst Movie Fathers", we are reminded of the traits that make some fathers so great. Dads are the ones who take us to baseball games, run the grill, and make other sacrifices day in and day out. Here are five things they don't hear often enough, that they really should.
1. Thank you.
The most obvious choice, but also the most necessary. Parents simply do not hear thank you enough. My dad has done everything for me. He taught me how to play softball. He taught me how to properly field a ball which has carried me through years of the sport. He supported me and my interests. After years of being taken to my older brother's countless baseball games, he realized how much I loved the sport and always asked if I wanted to go watch a game at our local field. When I decided I wanted to snowboard, he put together a family trip to Colorado where I got to meet my biggest inspirations in the sport. He cared for me. When I was sad, when I needed help with homework or friendships, he was there. So thank you, dad. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for going to work everyday so that our family can survive and thrive. Thank you for showing me how to be a good person, and thank you for all of the great lessons you have taught me over the years. Thank you for being fun, and showing me the fun in life. Thank you for showing me that it's okay to cry. Thank you for showing me that it's okay to fail. Thank you for showing me that it's okay to succeed. Thank you for standing back and watching me shine. Thank you for worrying about me. Most of all, thank you for being you. Dads deserve more thank-you's.
2. I'm sorry.
Dear dad, I'm sorry. I'm sorry for all the times I've failed you. I'm sorry for all the times I've disappointed you. I'm sorry for all the times that I have disobeyed. I know you simply want the best for me, so I'm sorry for all the times that I argued, no matter how right I thought I was. I'm sorry for the bad decisions I have made. I'm sorry for not trusting you completely. I'm sorry for not always using and living up to my full potential. I'm sorry for being so shut off. I'm sorry for blaming you for too many things. I'm sorry for being such a mess. I'm sorry for a lot of things. I promise, I will do better.
3. I'm trying my best
Dear dad, I'm trying here. Life is hard and sometimes it takes its toll. I hope you realize I am trying my best. In all of my aspirations, sometimes it is hard not to get lost. It is hard to balance writing, music, sports, schoolwork, but the foundation you have helped me build in each of those has helped. Sometimes I may slip up and I may not study as hard as I should. Sometimes I may not call as often as we would like. Sometimes I may not eat all my fruits and vegetables. Despite that, I'm trying. I know you want wants best for me and I want the same for myself. Even when life gets hard, never forget that I am trying.
4. I'm Proud of You
Just as my parents are proud of me, I am so proud of them. My father is such an intelligent, kind, and honest man. He loves to read and he loves to watch movies or TV. He loves to spend time with his family, and his friends. He loves to support his kids in all of their endeavors. He's made a name for himself. He has surrounded himself with amazing people. He has created an amazing family. He has earned a beautiful house, with a pretty yard, and transportation for his family. He's thrown some fun parties. He's contributed his time and his money to the church. He lives as a man of Christ. He truly is an example of God's love. He's talented at the piano. He is a gifted public speaker. He has made many people happy with his warm heart. He knows how to make connections. He shares his knowledge and his wealth. He has done great work in his career. He helps countless kids on a daily basis and makes a difference in their lives. My dad does so many things, and I am so proud of him.
5. I Love You
Dads are consistently telling their kids how much they love them. How many times do they hear it back? Sometimes we become too selfish, too self-concerned to remember they need to hear warm words to. To the dads- never forget how much your kids love you. We truly do. You're doing great.
