“My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me.”   ― Jim Valvano

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there!

I miss my dad. Although he died almost 18 years ago, just about every day I think about him. I am always thinking ‘what would dad do” when faced with a tough decision. I guess a lot of us probably have those thoughts.

My dad taught me to work hard, and to stand up for myself, even if I had to fight. He taught me about hunting, fishing, and the outdoors.

My mom and dad were married for over fifty years – and that’s another great example they set for me.

My dad was a union man who built intestates and bridges all across the Midwest. He believed in the union way. His union friends were always there for him – even when his health prevented him from working. I have always had a deep respect for unions. My dad was a Freemason, and he helped a lot of people. He was also a very funny person.

A year or so before he passed away, dad was rushed to the hospital. He had heart problems from age 40 on until he died. The doctor told me that I should quickly come home to see him one last time. So I caught a flight and headed home. I arrived at his bedside around 11:30 p.m. A pastor and I prayed for him. I planted myself in a chair by his bedside and fell asleep.

Around 5:30 a.m. my dad yelled, “Mike, what are you doing here?” I rubbed the sleep from my eyes and said, “The doctor said you were probably a goner, so I came home” to which dad replied, “Oh hell, I’m not gonna die yet.”

The next few days we had great conversations about everything. It kind of felt like we knew that these conversations were going to be the last we had together, and they were.

I never saw my dad alive again. About a year after I had rushed home, dad was again admitted to the local hospital for a few days. When he was well enough to be dismissed, he called my mom and told her he was “getting sprung” from the hospital, and he would take her out for breakfast.

He left the hospital and got into his pride and joy, his Volvo, and started to drive home. He suffered a massive heart attack in the hospital parking lot and died in his Volvo. My dad loved his car, so it was kind of a neat way for him to go. I am sure my dad would have a joke or two to tell about it.

If you can, give your dad a hug today – tell him you love him. Cherish all the memories and make some new ones.

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