I Want to be Just Like My Dad

My dad told me that you always give an answer even if you have no clue. I have listened to his advice throughout my life. Pause, look thoughtful and make it sound like you know what you are talking about. It always makes me smile and think of my dad when I convince people of my not so brilliant brilliance.

The other gift I got from my dad is the gift of a generous spirit. Dad would give anyone anything he had. Whether he knew someone for decades or just met them he would share whatever he had with them. Once I brought another student home from a college class.  She lived in a tiny travel trailer in Flagstaff where it was snowing. She said her trailer was so cold.  Dad insisted she take the new baseboard heater he just purchased. My mom could have killed him. But Dad saw a need and filled it. His thought was that he could always replace things but he wanted others to have what they needed. My hope is to live my life selflessly. There are few things in this world that I am so attached to that I wouldn’t share. The last heart rock Ryan gave me tops my list of ‘keep forever items.’

Chris Ynzunza had a custom of giving people who came to her home something that she adored from around her house. We got a beautiful switch plate cover that we love when we moved from California to New Mexico. It is a treasure because it was hers. That spirit of believing you can continue to enjoy something in someone else’s house is so cool. I found an old school desk with an ink well at a garage sale. I was so excited to bring it home. Then the thought occurred to me that my sister’s love of antiques would make it the perfect gift for her. She loves it and decorates it for all the different holidays.  She has been a middle school secretary for thirty years and the desk fits perfectly in her home. I so enjoy her enjoying it and I love seeing how she has incorporated it into her life.

The other gift my dad shared with me is that he never met a stranger. My Ryan was so like him in that. Since Ryan died I have had a harder time with this one. I am not as social as I once was. But I do try to ask waitresses and other people who serve me their names. Seeing people matters. Although I am not good in larger social situations, I do try to get together with others. Now I need to schedule get together so I don’t isolate. What a gift Facebook is to keep me connected with family and friends.

My Dad has been gone for over thirty years but his examples for my life still have an impact on me. I strive to be more like him in my life. He was a rich man. His bank account didn’t reflect it but his wealth of friendships most certainly did.

In Him,
Joyful
4-28-19