My Dad

       My Dad loves John Wayne. The gruff talking, charismatic cowboy who deals with problems with a gun, his fists or a one liner. Perhaps because John Wayne reminds me of my grandfather. All three men share one thing in common: charisma. Now my dad is not a suave Hollywood star, and he doesn't use guns, and I've never seen him in a brawl, but he is a people person.

      As a kid, this was fascinating, irritating, and a learning experience. Often as a family, we'd be in a restaurant or a grocery store or somewhere in public and he would strike up a conversation with a stranger. "Who's that?" I'd ask my mom, "I don't know," she'd reply. 

     We'd usually be the last ones to leave church after the service because he always had one last person to talk to.

     I met some unique individuals as a kid because of him. I remember parking on the side of a busy street or highway once, hopping a fence, and trekking into the woods to visit a man who'd set up a tent amongst the trees.

    It was in some ways a secure feeling knowing that no matter who we met, my dad would know what to say. Growing up with such a gregarious man however, when I was painfully shy was difficult sometimes. I found that it was easier to relate to my mom than him, and seeing a side of him which he reserved for his family and didn't reveal to others. 

    He was a very public figure and I was a very private person, and I regret to say that for some years I came close to hating him. Despite that there was always a underlying respect which didn't waver. Despite his many faults, he was and is someone to look up to.

    As a father myself, I see many similarities in how I relate to my son. I realize my son will not like everything I do and sometimes even hate me with youthful passion, but I hope he'll see despite my many faults that I truly love him. 

    The same goes for you, Dad. You are a hero. Not without weaknesses or faults. Our journey has been rocky but I still have that security knowing that no matter who you meet, you know what to say or do and that is something I take strength from and emulate.