If my math is correct, my mother had me when she was 34, making my father 36. This was kind of like having parents that aren't one generation ahead of you, but two. I was raised by two major things, the experience of my parents, and the stupid things my brother & sister did. But it's father's day so I'm going to focus on my dad.
The best phrase to describe my father's child raising methodology is probably "old school." My dad was very strict and was the disciplinary force in the household. There were times when I really didn't like my father. But looking back on it now, I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. My father raised me to be a man. Not all this sensitive crap that parents do with their kids now. If your kid does something really wrong, you fucking spank em.
I love the way my dad raised me and I will be raising my kids the exact same way. Ok well maybe not EXACT, but damn close. I hope that my father had that same thought about his father; like a recipe passed down through the family.
I'm becoming my father more and more everyday. That statement can be taken as a good thing or a bad thing. I see it as a good thing, for the most part anyway. If you ask me a question about a political, moral, or psychological issue, my answer will undoubtedly be the same as my fathers. The best part about saying that I'm becoming my father is that I truly like who my father is. I am trying to change the repeat & know-it-all parts though.
So for father's day I would like to say thanks dad. Thanks for raising me to be a man. Thanks for raising me to know the value of a dollar. Thanks for raising me so that I can make decisions on my own. Thanks for raising me to know what discipline is. And lastly, thanks for raising me. You truly are a great dad that has taught me so much about life and I'm still learning. Thanks for everything dad.
Now everyone, please enjoy these pictures of my dad (I couldn't make a blog post without embarrassing him now could I?).
