A father, A friend

I got to spend a great day with my Dad yesterday. I had a meeting up in Sacramento and asked Dad if he wanted to drive along with me. Sacramento is about a 3 hour drive from Hollister so it was a good chance to visit with the old man to and from my meeting. We had the opportunity to visit and chat about politics, our careers, and family. It was such an amazing day! I'm so glad I got to spend time with him.

Its a real pleasure to get to know your parents as an adult. The role of parent takes on many forms over the span of your life. My relationship with my parents is much different then it was before I was a parent myself. The love and bond I feel for with my own son helps me understand the kind of love my parents have for me. My parents used to be my guardians but now they are my friends. I have more similarities with my Dad than anyone else on the planet so it's easy to be his friend! I realize that not everyone has the kind of relationship or similarities with their father as I do. I would say my father and I have much more in common that any of my other siblings. I really wish that I had the opportunity to get to know either of my grandparents as an adult. I miss my grandfathers a great deal and feel a bit of pain knowing that I will never get to know them on a "friend" level.

My dad is in a transition period right now in his career. It's been inspiring to watch my father focus on his scriptures and family during this tough time. He has been out of work for a year now and it would be easy for him to fall into a "Woe is Me" slump. I honestly think he is more focused, positive, and spiritual then I have ever seen him. It sucks that he has to be dealing with unemployment but it is a powerful lesson for me. Focus on what matters most in life. Even in tough times, happiness is a choice.

I want my grandchildren to know what an incredible man my father is. The best way I know how to pass on his legacy is to try to be like him myself. My Dad is my best friend! I'm will do everything in my power to have that kind of relationship with my children as well.