The Best Dad

I had an amazing father. He was my best friend. He taught me so much about life and how to be the parent that I am today. He was giving and loving and shared all that he had with my brother and myself. I hope there are lots of other sons and daughters that feel the same way about their dads.

My father taught me how to read and encouraged me to be a life-long learner. When I was accepted at Yale, he was very proud of me. After my first semester, I wanted to transfer to a local college. He made me stay and said that he did not raise quitters. I was very homesick and wanted to be closer to home. He told me to call him whenever I wanted or needed to talk. One month during my first year I had a $500.00 phone bill.

By the time I finished my freshman year, I was happy that I stayed at Yale. Sometimes parents need to practice tough love in order for their children to be successful in life. He had high expectations for me and wanted to make sure that I achieved my goals; Yet, he was gentle and firm all at the same time.

After graduation I worked at Goldman Sachs as a financial analyst. He had never heard of an investment bank. I don't think he understood what I did but encouraged me to work hard. He was a child of the Depression and did not trust the Stock Market. He had invested in real assets and was able to send me to Yale without any scholarships or financial aid.

During WWII, my father was a Buffalo Soldier in the last mounted calvary before the troop was disbanded. He got to see the world as a soldier and encouraged me to travel, even when he was too busy to accompany me. He believed that seeing the world would give me a better appreciation for my own country. He was so right.

He was not the traditional father figure. He did the grocery shopping, cooked all the meals, cleaned the house, did the laundry and was also a great provider. I look at other men today and wonder why they can't assume a few more tasks at home. It is possible to work outside the home and wash a few loads of laundry. I saw my father do so many things around the house. It is kind of funny when I think about it now; I thought all dads did these chores.

He loved the Earth and each year planted an award winning vegetable garden with corn, squash, tomatoes, beans and broccoli. He fostered my passion for gardening and how to care for all living things.

He showed me, by example, how to love my children unconditionally. If I made a mistake, he would talk to me about what I did wrong in a way that I never questioned his love. He also showed me what it means to sacrifice one's dreams and desires to make sure that the next generation has the opportunity to excel.

I love my father, and even though he passed away 15 years ago, my love for him never fades. I was blessed to be loved by someone so special.