Father's Day

 Grandpa and Sarah

Yesterday was Father's Day.  I appreciate the opportunity to honor the men in our lives.  I have two boys too and know they are learning what becoming a man is really all about from their own father.  We see in movies that dads are bumbling idiots that ruin everything.  Their wives or children hate them and have to rescue them from themselves all the time.  Or men are portrayed as abusive monsters only interested in using others and making money.  I find these representations inaccurate. 
I am privileged to have a wonderful father that is nothing like the Hollywood stereotypes.  My dad, like his father and father in law, was a military man.  He fought for this country in Vietnam and has served our country his whole life.  He has taught me the value and necessity of patriotism, honoring the constitution, self reliance, love of God and country,  accountability and respect for others. 
I grew up thinking it was perfectly normal to stand for the national anthem regardless of the activity.  It was as prevalent as saying a prayer is at every church function.  The first time I went to a civilian movie theater and I didn't have to stand for the national anthem, it felt weird and somehow wrong.  The constant acknowledgment of what that flag stood for helped me to take seriously what it means to live in a country where freedom is valued above all else.  I feel sorry for people who don't get to have the experience of honoring their country regularly.  It is too easy to take for granted what it means to be an American.
I remember visiting my dad on his different work assignments and thinking it was funny that they all saluted one another all the time.  I understand now why it is important but at the time I wondered if I would have to salute him at home after he gave me instructions.  I was pretty willful as a child and would have probably rebelled against it anyway.  I even told one of his subordinates once, she didn't have to salute my dad.  She looked at me sternly and said, "Yes, I do!".
I was not an easy child to raise.  I knew what I wanted and went after it on a regular basis.  I have always been that way and it takes special parents to let a child like me loose on the world.  I am so thankful for their constant guidance and wisdom when I need it.  My parents have had growing pains like all relationships do, but when it came to raising me and my brothers, they were unwavering in their commitment to the gospel and to our family unit.  That commitment to one another helped me to learn the value of never giving up and to honor my responsibilities.  I learned to put in 110% in all I do regardless no matter what the payment may be. 
My dad isn't perfect, but he is mine and I am so thankful for his sacrifice for our country and for his devotion to my family.