Fathers Day Approacheth

In a shade over an hour the clock will turn into Sunday the 19th. June 19th. Ten years to the day since Mom died of cancer. Ironically, it falls on Fathers Day this year. Kind of a day of celebration combined with a memory of a wonderful woman gone too soon. I think the twins were 15, Kenneth 13, and Phillip 9 ten years ago. Sue, as always, is irrelevant. Except to Dad, and that is what makes him a great Father.
Sue had done so much damage even then and she has only gotten worse. Kenneth, Deb, Phillip, Pam & I have no time for her and will not talk to her because of who she has become. Then there is Dad, still forgiving, still hoping for her to come around, to become a decent person. No matter how many times she hurts him, he still is ready to forgive and to help her out.
And that is a good thing. It helps the rest of us know that, no matter what happens, what mistakes we make, and so forth, that he will be there for us. He is a shoulder to lean on, an ear that listens, advice when we want it, and just help no matter what we need...if he has the capability to do it, he will regardless of personal cost.
I do not know if I will ever be blessed with the role of father. If I am, I hope I remember his example. I hope I have the patience, the wisdom, the care for others that he has always demonstrated. I hope that when my kids or their friends need help that I have the intellect to help them, the patience to deal with repeated errors, the kindness to help them along the right path, and just that ability to provide a sure backdrop for them to live against.
Tomorrow I will stain the door I bought Dad for this year. On the one hand, it feels pretty cool to do something nice like that. He has needed a new fron door for a while, and this one is beautiful. At the same time, comparing that to what he has done for me...it doesn't compare.
I just hope I can figure out how to be as good a son to him as he has been a father to me.
Dad, I know you don't read this, but know that I love you. Happy Fathers Day.