Words for a wonderful dad

I wrote this about my dad when I was 15 years old for a journaling assignment in English class. Not eloquent, but despite being a teen, I meant every word. Thanks to my father for being such an amazing and wonderful man and inspiring such positive feelings at an age when most kids would put their parents at the bottom of the favorites list.

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My favorite person is my father. I am closer to him than to anyone I know. My Dad takes me to places I need to be and sometimes places I do not need to be. He supports me in whatever I do. May dad is also my tennis partner and teacher. He is a very understanding man and he cares a lot about me.

No matter what situation we are in, or where we are, my dad can always make me laugh. I can be myself with him and tell him almost anything. We tease each other constantly and have many private jokes. What I love most of all is the games we play. He is so original. For instance, one night we played basketball using a granola bar wrapper and a popcorn bowl.

My father is not always joking and playing games, he does have a serious side and he knows when to act accordingly. He also sets rules and curfews I don’t always like. I understand his reasoning most of the time and I know that it’s just for my protection and his peace of mind. Many times we have disagreements and I tend to be a “Devil’s advocate”, but this is part of our relationship and it makes it interesting.

My father tries to educate me and keep me informed on what is happening throughout the world. To me he is more than just my father; he is my teacher and my helper, and my best friend.

0 Comments

Kali

20 / Jun / 2011

That’s very sweet. It sounds like the two of you had a great relationship when you were a teenager. I imagine it’s only gotten better as an adult.
- Gwen Hernandez
  
  20 / Jun / 2011
  
  Thanks, Kali. We really did. My dad once told me he made a conscious decision to find a way to stay a part of my life when I hit 7th grade. We started playing tennis after school and continued that until we moved just before my senior year of HS. I still probably would have gotten along with my parents pretty well, but that time together really cemented things. Now we always bond around sports, usually running. 😉
Kali

20 / Jun / 2011

That’s really sweet. My dad and I have a pretty good relationship because we both work at it, but he has never understood the things that are really important to me. He tries to be supportive, but it’s always clear that he thinks I’m wasting money on horses and riding lessons or he’ll make some stupid comment about my dog being broken and it’s time to trade her in (she’s 5 and had surgery for a bladder stone… she’s perfectly fine). I’ve mostly gotten to the point where I just avoid talking about things with him that I know he doesn’t understand. He’s not an animal person, and will NEVER understand why I love them. He doesn’t even understand it in my mom (they have 2 dogs, 3 cats, and mom wants a goat).

Despite all that, I think he’s a pretty great dad and think we’re close. He’s not perfect, but neither am I. I will admit to being a touch jealous of the 13 year old who rides the hour before I do and whose father goes to every single lesson, track meet, show, etc with her. She’s a lucky girl and I hope she knows it.
- Gwen Hernandez
  
  20 / Jun / 2011
  
  Yeah, it’s interesting, Kali. In a way, a relationship with parents requires work just like a marriage. It’s a choice. My dad and I don’t see eye-to-eye on everything or agree with all of each other’s choices, but I’ve always respected him. And most important of all, I knew he cared about me.
  
  I think we take the good and try to fix the bad when we have our own children, and we all make mistakes. I’m glad you and your dad have a decent relationship even if he’s not as involved or understanding as you’d like.
  
  I think it takes a lot of strength to pursue your passions despite parental opposition or lack of interest. Just think of how many people spend their whole lives trying to please their parents instead of themselves. So, go you! =)