Postcards from the Funny Farm

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My Dad is the best. I know everyone says that, but I really mean it. He’s the “old block” Riley off which I was chipped. On this Father’s Day, I want to share 5 major things a kid appreciates in a dad:

1. He’s patient: This is the biggest and most all-encompassing one. Kids, work, protecting the family . . . these all require patience from the one we call dad.

2. He takes charge when it’s time to. Sometimes dads have to step into a situation and calm everyone down. It’s in these moments a good dad is a leader first and creates a plan to make things better.

3. He shows interest in his kids and their projects. It is not the dad’s privelege to be distant. The good dad is intimately involved in a positive way with his kids’ stuff. My dad was at every game, recital, and talent show I was ever in . . . front row center. I was so happy when he was proud of me (I still am!)

4. He is “there.” [quote]My dad always set down his newspaper or guitar to play with me or talk with me or plan with me.[/quote] These memories will never fade. This is huge.

5. He shares his life experiences with his kids. Kids don’t know so much because they haven’t had the life experiences yet. Good dads are open to sharing their triumphs as well as mistakes with their kids.

Well there you have it: 5 things a kid appreciates in a dad. I watched my dad do all these things and more, and that’s how I know how important they are. I’d like to close with a telling lyric from Dan Fogelberg’s “The Leader of the Band:”

But his blood runs through
My instrument
And his song is in my soul –
My life has been a poor attempt
To imitate the man
Im just a living legacy
To the leader of the band.

Here’s wishing all the dads out there a very happy and restful Father’s Day 2007. You’re the leaders of the band! Enjoy your day . . . you deserve it!