I am the fourth of five children. My father passed away over fifteen years ago. I miss him. He taught me something when I was little that shaped my life forever. (And despite the first three siblings’ beliefs, I am not spoiled.)

He taught me that I have to do what I believe in my heart is right and fair. And that sometimes standing up for what I believe is fair can put me in a spot where I might suffer repercussions. But the thing I admire most about learning that lesson from him, is that as my father, he could have easily said “because I said so” and that would have been the end of it. Instead, if I questioned something he told me to do, or questioned him about the fairness of a decision he made, he never got angry. In fact, sometimes he sort of got a sardonic look on his face that said, “I created this monster.”

And he did. So thank you Daddy for teaching me to stand by my convictions and for not making me dig worms so you could go fishing if I didn’t get to go too. I still love you.

To all the dads out there, thank you for the lessons you take the time to teach your children. You really have no idea how deeply those lessons shape their lives going forward whether you remain with them in body or spirit.

And to all of you children out there, regardless your age, if you are blessed to still have your dad with you, let him know how much he means to you this week.

Happy Father’s Day.