Grateful Month - Day 11

When I was growing up, Sunday was not my favorite day.  It was the day we did chores.  Until I was in Jr  High I had to get up early for church EVERY Sunday (then I could just go to youth group which was in the evening), football was the only thing on TV (EW!) and it was the day before school started for the week (and I don't think I missed a Monday ever, being the daughter of a high school math teacher!)

And now on Sundays when I hear football in the background of my day it reminds me of such a great person.

It reminds me of my dad.  I just adore this man.  He taught me so many amazing things, and I'm so glad that, at a really young age, I was paying attention.  I'm still learning from him and am grateful for that.

I get my sense of curiosity from him (I remember a 2 hour car ride where I just asked "Why?" and he had an answer - many little gems of wisdom out of that day, the main one is there is no real answer to the question "Why?" but it's still good to ask it).  I have the same sense of humor and ridiculously loud laugh.  I got his good hair genes, bad teeth genes, and outgoing personality.

I am amazed at how influential parents are to their kids (and one of the reasons out of 7,253 - is that where we are now, Sandy? - that I don't have any).  It is a HUGE responsibility.  And how do some kids get positive affirmation (like I did) and some get self-doubt, negative reinforcement and grief?  These external messages become internal and because of my dad, my inside voice is always positive.

When I was in high school I ran for student body something (I can't remember what exactly) but I remember I lost by 3 votes.  I was really disappointed and life was over!  You know...the drama of high school.  But the scene that stands out the most is that night in my room, my dad asked, "Did you do your best?"  I answered, "Yes."  He said, "Then that's all you can do.  And there is something else better that you'll be doing instead."  And he was right.  It's been that way my whole life.  I do my absolute best, and if I don't get it, then I know it's for a reason and something better is around the corner.

Today I am grateful for Sundays, football, and my Dad!