My dad was my hero for lots of reasons. He was…
- big, literally — nearly 6′ 2″ tall
- fearless — he feared no-thing, no-how! (other than the thought of being around a lot of people! Dad was very shy — but super friendly one-on-one)
- caring, kind, and gentle (but if you messed with Mom or his kids, you’d better pray he didn’t know where you were — you’d soon regret being born!)
- very conscientious; he was the guy you’d want working for you
- very likeable and admired: My friends would come over just to see my dad!
- attractive to women (as I’ve shared elsewhere)
- hardworking (worked seven days a week for much of his adult life)
- was a great example of making dreams come true by planning and working hard to see those plans come to pass
- God-fearing
I revered my dad, bragged about him, I obeyed him! His plans for me and my brother were simple and they were good: He chose to model for us:
- a life of integrity
- self-restraint and control
- faithfulness to one woman
- provision and protection for his family
- the fear (revering) of God
Though our home was far from perfect, Mom and Dad loved us and raised us to become responsible, mature adults. As a result, Dave and I never worried about:
- “what tomorrow held for us”
- if Mom and Dad were gonna be there for us
- if we’d have food on the table, etc.
In a loving, healthy home a kid shouldn’t have significant cares because they know Mom and Dad will be there to support, guide, encourage, protect, and provide whatever is needed. That is God’s design for the family.