Father's...

I know that many of you reading this article today do not have a father figure in the home. I also know that many of you do. This article however is for both... because this week was kind of a hard week for me in class. We wrote about the importance of fathers.
My dad was an amazing man; however, he did a lot of things that weren't so amazing. Drinking, smoking, pornography, gambling... you name it, he's probably done it. When I was two my parents divorced but my dad still remained close by. When he was in his serious drinking phases he became mean. He was not the man my mother once married, but aside from that, he was such a great guy.
1. My dad was the best dad in the world
He would take me to the Idaho Falls Snake River and feed the ducks (even though that's illegal now, whoops!) He would take me to the library to check out the Chronicles of Narnia and play on the internet for an hour, and then come back home and read to me. We would sit and play Sims or Grand Theft Auto together for hours. He would sit and watch Sailor Moon with me when I was upset. He would always tell me he loved me every time we hung up on the phone. He was always first to apologize and first to forgive. He believed in God only, but would still make sure we prayed before bed. He would buy me a $20 Bratz doll salon just because I asked for it. He would make sure we always went out and did something fun, even if it was buying a couple of 20 packs of chicken nuggets and eating until we puke or counting them to see if we could ever get the "mysterious extra nugget again."
2. My dad showed love to my mom
Before the divorce, he would bring my mom roses and notes. Even after the divorce, he still left her notes just telling her how great of a mom she was and how much he appreciated her. Even through me, I would get random "IM's" telling me that I should love my mother.
3. He was a friend
No matter what, he was always there for his friends. He always had so many and had such a quirky sense of humor that anyone was attracted to him no matter what.
4. He is my guardian angel
My dad ended up passing away from drowning in that same river he used to take me to. I was only 13 at the time. That was one of the hardest days of my life. Everyday gets harder knowing he won't be there for my graduation, my wedding, the birth of my first child, soccer games, ballet recitals,... he won't be there. But in reality, he will. He is continually watching over me and blessing me. Whenever I am sad or in doubt I can feel his love surrounding me everyday even if he is really not here. He will be at my graduation, wedding, birth of my first child, their soccer games and ballet recitals... maybe not in person,...but in spirit.
5. He taught me to be thankful
My dad was never well off. He lived a very poor life and was living in a shed/house by the time he passed away. But he never complained. Ever. He always made me believe there was more to life that I had to be grateful for: my family and my friends. He showed me what a real father was like, and to be grateful to have one that was so close to me for so long. He showed me the kind of love and compassion I want my future children to have from their father. Many children's fathers up and leave after the birth and don't have good contact with their children.
So, I am speaking to you fathers, mothers and children: This Thanksgiving be so grateful for your fathers. My heart aches for you, the families with no father in the home, and I am so happy for the ones who do have fathers in the home. But, whatever situation you are in, whether your father is always there, whether he has left your family, whether he is deceased... he brought you into this world. Try to at least reach out and tell him you love him and are thankful for him. It might not mean a lot right now but it will later. You don't realize what you have until it's gone, and even then, I still don't realize everything my dad has given me and sacrificed for me. Your father's are good men... ALL OF THEM. Give them a chance and just show them love. Unrestrictive, friendly love. They will repay you back with even more love. Before you know it (the children who don't have good relationships with their dad's) you may be able to rekindle those relationships that were once broken. Don't give up hope. I was able to do this with my father. Your father still loves you and thinks about you everyday, no matter what you may believe. You can win him back... you just have to try.

Questions:
There will be no questions today. This was a very difficult article to write, all completely my opinion, so it is all up to your own thoughts in the comment box.

Thank you so much for reading... I know it was long, but I hope it was worth it. Please comment with respect in the opinions of mine and others.


Have a Happy Thanksgiving and be grateful for your dads!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!