What My Dad Taught Me

             

My father didn't teach me how to throw a ball.

It would have been a waste of time anyways. 

What I have learned from him 

resonates so much more, 

and the amount of love, respect and admiration for him, 

only continues to grow everyday. 

My dad taught me to be polite, 

that very rarely is there the need to yell. 

Family comes first, 

but who we consider to be our family can be molded over time.

Remain calm, take a deep breath, and resist overreacting. 

My dad taught me all I know about money, 

to respect it, to be wise with it, 

and to also let it allow you to enjoy little treats. 

My father taught me the joy in simple pleasures, 

good food from the grill, 

a great bowl of pasta, 

an evening together with loved ones. 

He passed on his love of tv, 

of the importance of sitcoms, 

and the joy in having a great show to look forward to. 

I work hard at what I do because that's what I've learned from my father,

who owns his own business and leads by example.

I try to believe that all will be ok 

if hard work and time is devoted. 

My father taught me to love animals

and when I brought home my first pet as an adult,

I understood why my father always surrounded our home 

with their unconditional love.

I look forward to seeing him with every visit, 

with the same enthusiasm that we both have 

for digging into bowls of ice cream, 

complete with chocolate sauce and whipped cream, 

for I know the importance of dessert, 

just as he taught me. 

photo circa 1990

Scary Storms No More

When I was younger, I would crouch and hide when thunderstorms hit. 

Hands clasped over my ears,

scared of the flashes of lights and loud noises, 

always eager for them to pass on by.

And yet, as a major storm approached last night, 

I found myself on my back porch, 

soaking up not only the rain droplets that blew in my direction,

but also the rush of adrenalin that accompanied 

the excitement of the incoming lightening and thunder. 

As Tom and I watched in awe 

as the sky lit up and the branches danced, 

I felt like a kid again,

a braver kid for sure,

but absolutely reveling in the simple thrills of Mother Nature.

And as the storm passed, 

my adult self sat back and appreciated, welcoming,

the after effects of a terrific storm,

the distinct smell of summer rain 

and the fresh, crisp breeze that carried it

so beautifully through my windows. 

 photo via Pinterest