A Thank You To My Dad

5/6/2013

My dad has many good traits. The one I admire most is that he is always there for his family. When our boys one day recount my good traits, should they choose to do so, I hope they'll also list that one on top.

This past weekend my dad made the 10-hours-each-way trip from Ohio to watch both of the boys play baseball. I think he enjoys watching them play ball. More than that, though, I think he wants them to start understanding what I do. That he's there for them.

While he was here he helped me build a deck that I mentioned to him a month or so ago I wanted to build. I know he was glad to help. It's likely he also feels like a bit of a hero for saving me from the disaster that would have been the contraption I would have built had I attempted it on my own. With his help a monumental chore turned into a one day project.

That's what dad's do, really. Turn monumental projects into something doable. There's no greater example than tackling fatherhood. Most days, if not all days, I wouldn't have a clue how to be a dad if I hadn't had one showing me some of the shortcuts through the years. The greatest one of them all is simply being there for my family. Even if it takes 10 hours to get there.

Thanks for being there dad. And thanks for the deck. That's 144 square feet of grass I no longer have to mow.

6 Comments

andrew morris

5/6/2013 09:30:04 am

Love the deck! It would have been like building a tent floor Keith. As I am about to be a father for the first time I find myself recalling lessons my father has taught me. Those moments in time where I would have missed the life lesson had it not been for him pointing me in the right direction or simply speaking up and affirming his love for me. Of course one doesn't truly know what is coming in parent hood, but having a great role model is the foundation for one becoming one himself.

Keith Cartwright

5/6/2013 11:19:38 pm

Andrew, just wait until you have that child. You'll be more grateful than ever for everyone in your life who helped lead you to the moment you can call yourself a dad. I have no doubt you'll be a loving and attentive one, which is really all they need. That and a few diapers changed along the way. And a superhuman wife, which it seems you have.

Bev Almond

5/6/2013 09:45:24 am

poem by MartinBuxbaum:
The Real Measure
You can use most any measure when you're speaking of success
You can measure it in fancy home, expensive car or dress.
But the measure of your real success is one you cannot spend
It's the way your son describes you when he's talking to a friend.

I'm sure Papa Hoss is feeling the love you expressed so well.

5/6/2013 11:21:17 pm

I'm sure there will be days - like after I've paid unexpected visits to the boys' schools, when I'll probably be better off using some other measure.

What a great poem.

Joe

5/6/2013 10:15:32 pm

Keith,
Trust me, there are many of us out here in the world who continue to admire you and the teachings you gave us. You are a great Dad too!! The boys are very lucky to have to and Katie.

5/6/2013 11:22:51 pm

Thanks Joe. That means a lot to me. You guys were easy to teach, and 4 and 6 year old boys leave you many days BEGGING to teach chief lessons again! You're a good man.

A Thank You To My Dad

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