The older I get, the more I have learned to appreciate the incredible Dad I have. I guess that could be said of many things in life, but I believe as I look back over the years of life, this is the one thing that seems to arise over the rest.
As a teen in high school you really begin to recognize the different trains of thoughts that differ you from your peers. It was when I was a teenager that I realized what separated myself from others had little to do about myself, and much to do about my parents who raised me. I am the product of strong parents.
My Dad taught me what it means to have strong character. The have watched my father over the years labor and work to provide a good life for his family. He was never afraid of hard work, and always enjoyed a challenge. He has and continues to lead a consistent life. Who my father is at home, work and church are one in the same.
My Dad taught me what it means to love. My mom and dad just recently celebrated their 29 wedding anniversary. My parents loved each other throughout my entire life. How my dad has treated my mom has taught me how to treat my wife. Even in error. My dad taught me how to apologize, and repent (which i find myself constantly doing).
My Dad taught me what it means to invest. Some of my greatest memories are my dad playing catch with me in the evenings after he got home from work. I know now as an adult how tired he had to have been when he got home, but he always made time for me. Here are some of my fondest memories with my dad. Him coaching tee-ball, baseball, basketball, football, taking me to Karate, taking to me to track meets, taking me to the music store and buying my first guitar, building our club house, taking us on vacations, putting up with the screeching guitar in the late hours of the night, taking us out on the river, sitting on the back porch. My dad invested not only his fiancés in me (cloths, food, shelter, college) he invested his time.
We went to Iowa to see my parents this past Christmas. The thing I remember most is watching the home videos of my family when I was a kid. I was amazed at how my dad had wrapped his entire life around me and my brother and mom. I know how to be a good dad based upon what a great father I had.
Perhaps the greatest thing my father has ever given me was his name. I am a Friesen. And because of how my Dad lived his life, that name is an incredible blessing. I now have the opportunity to grow it, hopefully to the same extent that my Dad did. I now have the blessing of giving this name to my daughter. And even though her last name will one day change, I'm hope people will one day say to her, as it has been said to me, your Dan Friesen's girl, you come from a good line.
