Father's Day... a little late

Father's Day came and went over the weekend, and even though it was my intention to write a post about the fathers in my life, I didn't. That's how life goes sometimes, right?

Part I: My Dad

My dad is truly amazing. His own father took off either before my dad was born or soon thereafter (I can't remember that specific detail), and his mom wasn't winning any parenting awards. His early years were riddled with abusive step-fathers and/or live-in boyfriends who would come and go like the seasons. Before my dad hit puberty, his own mother deserted him to chase after some man, who, like the others, was just a memory soon enough. After his mom walked out, my dad lived with his maternal grandmother until she died when he was 16. After that, one of his aunts took over his care. While my dad was fortunate enough to have a grandma, an aunt and several men in his community who took him under their wing, he had been abused, beaten down and abandoned by the people who were supposed to take care of him. He never had a good example of parenting, much less of being a decent human being, until he was a preteen.
Yet, my dad has always worked hard to do the right thing. Despite never being very book smart, my dad went to college and earned a degree. Despite growing up on food stamps in stark poverty, he worked hard his entire life and provided extremely well for his family. Despite the lack of a strong male influence at home, he grew up to be a man -- one who never shirked responsibility or hard work. He is the very definition of a self-made man; he came from nothing to be a successful business man an entreprenuer, a loving husband and devoted father.
Like any parent, my father made mistakes with us kids. He was hard on us, especially my older brothers and sisters. His job as a traveling salesman meant that we didn't see him much during the week. He has always been quick with criticism and slow with praise. But, we always knew we were loved. We always knew we would be taken care of. We never went without. And, I think most indicative of what an amazing man my dad is, we all have tremendous respect and love for our dad.
Thanks, Dad, for being a good example to me. Thank you for loving me and for seeing my talents and strengths in me when I couldn't. Thank you for wanting more for your family than you had been given. And thank you for the way you choose to live with gratitude in your heart.
I love you.