Father's Day

A few days ago, Dad and I were lounging the the living room and he was doing his job. I was kind of bristling in response.

"Don't nag me, Dad."

"I'm not nagging you, I'm just informing you of the possible consequences of your inaction."

"You realize what's this weekend?" I saw him fight a smile. Dad always parents in situations like this like he's a few seconds away from laughing out loud. "Do you want a sappy Father's Day post or not?"

"I'm just saying..." and he went on to describe a plan of epic embarrassment he would launch should I not do what he thought I should.

"GAAHH NO! FINE."

We've had many conversations like this, where Dad imagines situations in which he would be entirely insane solely to create a ludicrous type of fear that somehow makes Claire and me shape up. Claire and I'd usually end up laughing with him despite our teenage indignance at being given advice of any sort.

That's what's different about my Dad. You'll read many memoirs that pair childhood images of paternal discipline with shouting matches and yelling. I don't think I've ever heard my Dad yell beyond cheering at the sidelines. I've been raised on snarky, observational one-liners and verbal kicks-in-the-butt to get me going.

It also turns out that he's passed a lot on to us.

I may not share Dad's fondness or aptitude for construction and yard work, but he did teach me that sometimes it's okay to stay in the car until the song's finished.

We always knew when Dad was in the car last because we'd start up the car only to jump three feet out of our seats with the explosion of music coming of the speakers.

Claire got Dad's stubbornness, but that came with a determination to master whatever she sets her mind to--something learned from example.

He put sports in our lives and pushed us not to become superstars burned out by pressure and overtraining, but the best teammates we could be. Be reliable, be loyal, shoulder the responsibility and never give up.

Dad does all those things and more every day.

I love you, Dad. Happy Father's Day.