Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there. And a very special wish to my dad. When I think about my dad, many snapshots race through my mind. I love and appreciate my dad and can recall many examples of his generosity, compassion, support, strength, integrity, and love. One story, in particular, speaks to the image I hold of fatherhood. When I was about eight, my dad built a balance beam for me to practice gymnastics and he "spotted" me as I learned to do back handsprings and back flips. Over and over, I would incessantly jump backwards with Dad's hand supporting my back. Sometimes I landed on my feet, sometimes my knees, and oftentimes, my rear! Over and over again, Dad patiently positioned himself in the grass, "spotting"me so I would not get hurt. Many years later, he told me how he would rather build ten balance beams than be the only support between me and the ground as I tried to master gymnastics. It was hard for him to "spot" and guide me for fear I would get hurt. But, he put his fear and his desire to protect his baby girl aside allowing me to take the risks needed in order to learn the flips. Repeatedly, he was there for me as I tried. He held the space and supported me while I figured out what I did wrong and what I did right. I eventually mastered the back flips and enjoyed gymnastics for several years. My dad was my biggest supporter through the ups and downs, failures and successes. His love was strong, patient, kind, generous, protective, and supportive. I am grateful for my dad and for who he is in my life. I am grateful his legacy of love continues with his presence in my children's lives today.
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