Happy Father’s Day to my Dad and all the other Dads out there! Including my brother, who will very soon be a Dad for the first time. Not everyone is lucky enough to still have their Dad or be close to their Dad but I am. Even though we may wind each other up sometimes, I love him a lot and wanted to share what I’ve learnt from him over the years.
Work Hard
My Dad has always worked hard for what he wanted. When my brother and I were growing up, he got up at the crack of dawn every day and didn’t get home until after 8pm. Yes he took holidays and spent time with us, his family, but he was only able to do that because he worked his socks off the rest of the time. That has always instilled in me a great work ethic and a sense of determination. He may have left school with few qualifications, but he is living proof that you can still be a success if you really apply yourself.
The Importance of Education
My Mum and Dad went to the local grammar school in the town where we grew up. Dad always knew that he wanted me and my brother to go to a private school because he felt he didn’t get the education he wanted or deserved. He was determined to change that for us. I knew my parents weren’t as well off as the other parents at school but that made me want to work even harder so that their investment in my future didn’t go unfulfilled. I guess time will tell whether that investment has paid off, eh!
Making the Perfect Roast Dinner
While I was growing up, my Mum did most of the cooking. But when she became a vicar and Dad retired (for the first time – I think he’s “retired” three or four times now but he just can’t hack it yet…), he took over the cooking and ferrying us back and forth from school. It took some getting used to as we had a routine in place with Mum, but we soon did. And one thing we discovered was that Dad makes a killer roast. Crispy potatoes, lots of veggies, thick gravy. Yum. I wish I could have learnt those skills, but timing is not my forte!
Happy Father’s Day, Dad!
So happy Father’s Day to you Dad. Thank you for all your encouragement, love and support over the nearly 30 years we’ve known each other. I won’t get to see you this weekend so here’s to spending some time together next weekend. And not long until you’ll be walking me down the aisle!
♥ JH