Safety-N-Motion

Happy Birthday to My Father (Dad)!

You left this world way too soon. I was only 6 when you passed, but I remember how you took me everywhere with you. Whether you were coaching for the city Parks and Recreation leagues or cooking breakfast and BBQ in the backyard, I was always by your side. I miss you every single day.

As I have grown and matured, I often think of you and wonder how my life would be different if you were still here with me. Then I remember that, in many ways, you are still here. You are with me when I talk to my kids, when I spend time with the ones I love, when I cook for my family, when I coach my students behind the wheel or on the field, and when I spend quiet time with my wife, telling my family that I love and miss them.

What I know for sure is that dads matter. This is a message to all men: You matter more than you know. Every child needs guidance and a role model, even if they aren’t your own children. Who are you in your community? To me, my dad was larger than life. Now that I’m older, I want to get to know him even more. I find myself listening to stories about who he was, and sometimes I wonder if I’m living up to his expectations.

I’m not entirely sure, but I am following my passion—helping my community and being a dad, father figure, and role model to any child who needs it—because that’s what I saw him do.