“I believe that what we become depends on what our fathers teach us at odd moments, when they aren’t trying to teach us.” – Umberto Eco

While traveling back from what was supposed to be a surprise birthday visit for his dad, that turned into what it did, my husband scripted a note to his dad and shared it with me.  I asked my husband if I could post this on my blog, permission was granted with his blessing.  Hope you are enjoying your coffee and newspaper this morning dad.  Thank you for sharing this with us honey, it is truly beautiful. 'Nuff said, please enjoy.

Some gifts are more important then others. 

This past week I was able to spend a lot of time with my dad.  It turned out to be his final days and hours on this earth.  During some of the quiet moments sitting there with him I was able to reflect on all the gifts he gave me over my life. 

I'm not talking about toy trains and race car sets.  While he did give me plenty of those.  I'm talking about the kind of gifts that you can't put a bow on and that don't  fit in a box.  The kind of gifts that you keep with you your entire life and hopefully pass on to your children and that they in turn  pass on to theirs.  He gave me gifts that have no price tags but are priceless. 

My father gave me the following gifts.  

Fatherhood. He taught me what it means to be a good father. That being a father is more then the physical act of reproducing a child it is a life long responsibility of doing the best that you can to love, nurture and raise your children.   

Loyalty.  He taught me that you don't let others down that you stand by them and if you make a commitment to them you stick with it.   

Integrity.  He taught me that your word is your bond.  Don't say things if you don't mean them.  Don't lie, cheat or steal to get ahead.  

Love.  He taught me about love.  That it is unconditional and that it is okay to say it often and express it to those that you do.  

Friendship.  He taught me about friendship.  That while you don't have to have hundreds of friends that you should cherish the ones that you have. 

Emotions. He taught me that it is okay for a man to show emotions.  That it is okay to cry.  That it's not a sign of weakness but a sign of confidence and compassion. 

Hard Work.  He taught me to always give your best and work hard.  Whether on a job, on the playing field or just in life, always give 100%.  

Kindness.  He taught me to always be kind and polite to others.  To help those that need it.  To do some simple things daily like hold the door for people and say please and thank you.  

These gifts that he gave me carry no monetary value.  They aren't in listed in a will and there is no estate tax on them. But I couldn't ask for a better inheritance from him.  He gave me gifts that make me strive to be a better person everyday.  To hopefully be able to pass these gifts onto my girls and hope that they will pass them on to their children.  I already see it with my oldest and how she is raising her son. 

So dad let me once again say thank you and that your legacy will hopefully live on for generations.  I love you and miss you so much already. 

“He didn’t tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it.” 
– Clarence Budington Kelland