A Plus Attitudes

My dad passed a little over 5 years ago. I absolutely adored my dad!. I never tired holding his hand. I am one of 8 children, so having hand holding time with my dad was always extra special! On our birthdays, he would take the birthday child to the airport to watch the planes(this was well before 911, so anyone was allowed to walk through the airport even if they weren’t flying) get an ice cream cone and just have one-on-one time with our dad. I looked forward to my birthday every year just for my special time with my dad.

It’s funny though, I never felt neglected or that my dad didn’t have enough time to spend with me. He always managed to make each one of my 7 siblings and I feel equally loved and special.

My dad wasn’t perfect, he had flaws just like we all do, but he tried everyday of his life to be a better person and to love unconditionally. He adored his family and especially our mother. She was the love of his life. He was always his happiest when he was surrounded by his family.

I rarely heard my dad say an unkind word about anyone. Almost to a fault, he sought out the best in everyone he would meet. Sadly the last few years of my dad’s life, dementia set in and my dad began to slow down mentally and physically, but his loving essence never faded.

The last year and a half of his life, my mother couldn’t care for our dad, so he had to go into a nursing home. The staff loved my dad, even with his dementia, he was always kind, gentle, sweet and gracious. He always thanked the staff and me each time I would visit him, and would tell me how much he loved me. He never stopped loving my mother, even when he could no longer remember they were married, he always asked about her and said how much he loved her, almost to the very end of his life.

I don’t think there was ever a day in my life where I didn’t feel I was loved by my parents. I know how fortunate I am, because I know that not all parents and fathers are good, but if you are one of the lucky ones who had or has a good dad or is married to one, don’t forget to let them know how much you appreciate them.

You don’t need to buy them a special or expensive gift, because it really is the small, thoughtful things that you do daily that remind them how much you appreciate them.

Today we celebrate all the wonderful dads. With all my heart, I am truly grateful for the amazing father I had and the one to whom I am married.