Happy Father's Day...

to all those Dad's out there, I wish you a day of whatever relaxation suits your style.

For the men in my life who are fathers:

My Dad: thanks for helping make me who I am. Not all of the lessons were good ones, some quite difficult, some outright mean, and some I could only learn what not to do from. I learned my work ethic, my love of working with my hands, and my knowledge of how to stand up for something I believe in from you. Lessons that have served me well.

My nephew's Dad: thanks for showing me what patience looks like. I admire the courage it took to raise your son on your own. He is turning out to be a good man, and that is mostly your work and influence in his life. He will have a leg up going to college next fall with the independence you've helped him develop. He may never say it, or maybe never even articulate the thought, but his life and his world are so much the better for all the sacrifices you made for him. A time of huge change is coming for you soon, and I am thrilled for you.

My Mom's Dad: I still miss you. I think about you often, and all the things we talked about over the years. You showed me what gentleness was, how and why to be softspoken, and your kind spirit still brings a smile to my face. Thanks for looking out for me from up there.