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difficult relationship.

As for myself, I am blessed. I've had both a father and mother who have consistently loved, provided, guided and, yes, disciplined me over the years. Sure, in my youth, though not an especially rebellious boy, there were moments when I though my parents were overbearing, mean, uncaring and unloving. But after the selfish, narrow focus of youth passes most of us, myself included, gain a strong appreciation for our parents who have loved, sacrificed, and given so much to us when we (I) were the hardest to love.

With that in mind I offer this to my dad who has never, ever failed to love and give of himself for his family. Now at 73 years of age, he still considers first his family in the decisions he makes and the things he does. Often going great distances to be there at critical moments to lend support and encouragement. Taking on tasks someone of his years shouldn't have to. To be sure, he doesn't "have to"; he does so out of love and concern for his wife, children and grandchildren. Dad, this is for you:

Dear Dad,

Here it is Father's day and as I reflect on the blessing you are to me I can't help but be very thankful for your love, commitment and dedication to your family and to me personally for these nearly 49 years (am I really that old?). Over the years you have worked so hard to provide for your family, at times with good results, at other times with disappointing returns on your time and investment. Yet each time, no matter the financial result, the lessons you instilled in me were never forgotten.

You taught me to always strive to provide for my family, doing what ever it takes to meet the need. You have always worked hard, often working 2 jobs to make ends meet. I've known you to leave early for a bus run, finish that job and go to pastor a church until time to go back for the afternoon run, then take care of visitation, church remodeling, counseling and any of the many diverse responsibilities of pastoring.

You have time and again devoted time and resources to making a go at an independent business. Your enthusiasm and optimism always ready and fresh. Sometimes you were met with limited success, other times with little or none. Yet you never let us see any frustration you may have felt, you never blamed anyone for results that didn't meet expectation and you never let it stop you from continuing to keep trying.   You taught me to take responsibility for my own losses and failures but not to get bogged down in anger or despair. You taught me to always have hope and keep my eye open for opportunity.

You've taught me that age is no barrier for someone who really wants to do something. Though I know you work for Block partly out of need, I also know you work there because you love the work you do. It shows in your teaching, your dedication to your clients and your dedication to your own personal and professional growth.

But the lessons you've taught financially are overshadowed by the lessons you taught in love and devotion to family.   Time and again you have sacrificed personally for your children, for mom and for other family members. The many Christmases you have given so much so your family could have a joyous and memorable time. And spent much of the following year paying for it. I still remember those days with joy and pleasure whether it was the race track in Sterling, the pedal car in Ardmore, the crystal radio in Gladstone or more recently the many thoughtful gifts given when things are financially tight.

You have always been there for your children when we needed you. The strong, tough, yet tender love you extend to all of us was most evident in your welcome of the prodigal when Dan returned home in Shelby. You have always been there for Jana to share blessing and support and encourage through heartache. You've taken time to travel long distances to be with me in times of joy and distress. The most important time was in 2000 when you came to Ocala to help with Carol in what we discovered were her final days here. And you returned with mom to help me through those crucial days and weeks when she was gone.

The many hours and miles cannot be counted as you traveled from Raleigh to Bluefield to care for grandmother and aunt Merle. Sure you had many things you could have done with your time, but I suspect what was most prominent in your mind and heart was the importance of caring for and helping someone who needed you so. No matter the personal cost in time and expense.

Dad, I hope and pray I can be half the man and husband you are. You are a rare commodity in today's world. A man whose word is trustworthy, whose work is excellent, whose love is steadfast, whose commitment is intense, whose life is selfless and whose love of God is to be modeled after.

Thank you for blessing me with you life, for providing a goal to strive for.

Happy Father's Day with love,