My Father Built Me.
P.T.
In lieu of Father's Day weekend, I want to discuss the importance of my father's hand in my current successes, failures, and everything in-between. I grew up in the home of a tenured Texas high school football coach. Needless to say, expectations were high for me to live with high integrity and always do what was right.
Whether it was the goodwill that he performed when no one was watching or the millions of broken children he helped through the education system behind the closed doors of his office, my dad taught me that the purpose of this life is to always be seeking ways to positively impact the lives of those around you.
More than that, my dad was (and always will be) my best friend. He is my number one fan and my number one critic. In my home, my dad stressed honesty above all else. He constantly reminded me that every problem had a solution, if you were honest in arriving there. Something that has stuck with me as I have joined adult society is the value of being honest, transparent, and genuine with everyone you interact with. My dad calls me out when I am in the wrong, and he helps me find an avenue of reconciliation in such cases. In addition, he sticks by my side and is there through any frustration I encounter. When life is kicking me, his shoulder is there to cry on (and to nudge me back up out of self-pity).
As I am sure many others can relate, our fathers are the foundation in which we model our lives. We all adore the selfless sacrifice and stronghold of our fathers and their "tough-but-soft" hearts. As a man, I aspire to be like my dad in every single way. He is the strongest man I know, and he is my very best friend.
My Father Built Me.
M.B.
When asked my greatest strength, my answer has quickly began to incapsulate my drive and initiative to be involved, work hard, and overcome difficult obstacles. I enjoy challenges; I enjoy proving people wrong. Although it can get me into trouble, my inability to turn down an opportunity to join or lead in an organization has become my greatest ally while at Oklahoma State. I have seen more of myself, and who I want to become, in this past year than I did the four years before it. I found my drive, and I decided to run with it.
Earlier in the year, a hand grabbed my arm and told me to slow down, to take a step back, and think before jumping back into the deep impact of such large commitments. This hand, veined with concern and gentle approach, asked, "What if your wide spread involvement makes your grades suffer? Your friendships? The organizations you're committed to?"
I sat back, not entirely sure how to answer at the time. Months later, seeing how my semester panned out, I understand more of what my father meant recently when he said something to the degree of: "It won't fail because it can't." There are no other options. No plan B's. When you throw yourself into something, there can't be "ifs". You make it work, you make it succeed, because that's your only option.
That's just one lesson my father has taught me. When you commit to something, when you give a part of yourself and your time to an organization or event, the option isn't to succeed or fail. You just do it. And you give it your all.
My father is wise. My father is hard working. My father is driven and prophetic in how he can see ahead, plan ahead, think further ahead than anyone else in the room.
My father is the reason I am driven. He is the reason I give my best to anything and everything I put my name on. My father is the model I look to when trying to balance out my own life. He is a husband. A father. A man of God. A business owner. A quail hunter. An entrepreneur. A lover of German wired hairs, brewing, and sunflowers.
He's my hero. And I push myself, and will continue to push myself, everyday to become more like him -- because I can't imagine a better way to live.
So here's to you, HB, and all the fathers like you. Happy Father's Day. I love you.
A Final Thought...
P.T.
The beauty of Father's Day is the simplistic value of spending time with family. Most dads don't expect extravagant gifts or unwavering attention on Father's Day. They simply desire to spend time with the children they adore more than anything in the world. I challenge you all to share this article with your dad and elaborate on how much he means to you and has influenced your life. Here's to all the college kids out there, who will be "crackin' a cold one" with their old man this weekend. More importantly, here's to all the dads who give themselves selflessly for their kiddos every single day.