The older I have become, the more I realize how truly great of a man my father is. As a child, and even more so as a teenager, I was oblivious to the qualities that make one great. But as i grow older and analyze who I want to become, I reflect on my father's character and personality and see the most sterling example. I could write volumes on this subject, suffice to say I will only enumerate a few of the qualities I admire most.
1) Relentless Integrity: My father is an honest man. He is a man of his word, who respects commitment and values truth. Never has he acted in a dishonest way or practiced shady business.
2) Fun: My Dad is fun. Despite the burden of managing the farm, the insulation business and nine kids, my Dad was always making jokes and having fun. I remember times when I was upset with him or my mother, his assault to dissolve my anger was with humor. He would act so silly and fun, that I could not be mad, I had to laugh.
3) Work Ethic: The Lord said "by the sweat of thy brow, you shall eat thy bread". Indeed that too was my fathers credo. I learned what hard work is from him, and in retrospect I can see the quality of hard work. My dad worked so hard to provide and produce. His labors were not lost upon me, I saw his example and strived to work and produce just like him. I owe much of my success to this particular example.
4) Romantic: After over 40 years of marriage I know that my parents are still in love. I can see the twinkle in their eyes when they look at each other. I can see the concern, love and affection not only when they are together, but also when they are apart. Having this love for someone else is the purpose of life, I want this more than anything.
These are just four qualities I admire in my dad, and I could go on and on with more, but like in all things, sometimes less is more. To put it simply, in my "quest of self", as I map who and what I want to be, I look to my Father, and say "if I could only be half that man". He is my Hero.
