Imperfect Dads

I had an imperfect dad. Charles Douglas Anderson:

He was a closet smoker, wore white socks with black dress shoes (gasp), said the occasional bad word, worked on Sundays sometimes, was color blind, flat footed and if you asked my sister, she would tell you he picked favorites and she was it (however...I'm not sure of the truth to that matter).

I had an imperfect father-in-law. David Alfred Stinson:

He spoiled his kids, wore a toupee for a number of years, got mad when you said something negative about his family, enjoyed a little extra attention, paid for his kids car insurance way into their adult years and even though his daughter would swear she was the favorite...we all know...the grandkids outranked her.

I have an imperfect step-father. Harley Thomas Morris:

He laughs loudly, tells redneck jokes, sends lots of forwards through email, hugs entirely too tightly (shame on him), refuses to rest when he's supposed to, doesn't like to eat out, disobeys drs. orders and would rather fish than shop.

My kids daddy is imperfect too... Ronald Bruce Stinson:

He works too hard, tries to please people, cares sooo deeply, forgets to take out the trash, tells corny jokes, uses improper grammar occasionally, has quite a few hobbies, has favorites songs that span multiple decades...beginning in the 70's, and corrects me when I drive.

I jest...sort of.

I was just thinking today about these men who have influenced how I view the role of a father...and complete with all their imperfections, I realize now more than ever, these are 4 of the best men who have ever walked this earth.

Because amid all those imperfections they are or were:

God fearing
Devoted to their family
Solid in their Beliefs
Hard Working
Teachable
Loving
Giving
Servants
Caring
Prayerful
Joyful
Patient
Kind
Forgiving
and

Imperfect.

They have taught me how to recover. They've taught me how to get back up when life knocks you down. They've taught me that, besides God, family is top priority. They've taught me to seize the moment, give extravagantly, serve unnoticed and to love, love, love.

These are the lessons of imperfect men. This is their legacy. These are the lessons of men who have lived with eternity in their hearts...Lessons they taught more through their actions than through their words. Lessons full of honesty and integrity.

Imperfect? Yes. And I'll take it. Each lesson. Each moment. Each memory. Each day. Because in the end, I already have a perfect Father. I know Him and so did my imperfect dads.

Maybe that's why they've been such good fathers.

I think so.

Fantastic Dads

The media wastes no time informing us of the large mass production of dead beat dads. Thankfully I didn't have one....so I won't be giving any new briefs on that topic today. I was blessed with a fantastic dad for 18 years, and when he passed away it was possibly the most life changing event I have experienced to date. He taught me more about life, God's Word, hard work and respect than any other human being. He was fantastic.

And...this week past week I have had the opportunity to spend quality time with my new stepdad. Many of you will remember my mom remarried in October after being a widow for 19 years. This week ended up being so special. We had no big plans and spent most of our time just visiting. Mom and Tom arrived for a five day visit and left this morning after making a plethora of new memories. Tom has a wonderful way of making you feel at ease. He's funny, kind, generous and has a huge fan base in the under 4 footers in our home. God knew just what we needed after all these years.

My brother became a dad on Christmas day last year year. His little Sydney has already worked her magic on her daddy and is pretty busy calling the shots in their household. Daddy Andy is learning all about the do's and don'ts of fatherhood and is becoming another fantastic dad. He's juggling a career that includes non-traditional work hours and he's managing to still find time for cuddles and kisses from his baby girl.

My father in law manages to keep our family equipped with family recipes from our ancestors. He's up to date with the going ons in our community and he loves spending time with his kids and grandkids. He's the best navigator of country back rounds I know!

And saving the best for last...and certainly not least, I thank God for the father of my own children. He is amazing. He shares the weight of parenting with me. He plays, instructs, disciplines, laughs, guides and spends time with Savannah and Tucker. Their faces light up with joy when they see him coming. He is loved by many, but none more than us. We are blessed to have him.

Not many families can say they have 4 men who are fantastic role models. Thank you Lord for these amazing men in my life and in the lives of my kids. What a gift...what a legacy....what a treasure!

Tribute to Dad

Today I am interviewing Savannah about her Dad...here goes:

1. What is Daddy's favorite thing to do for fun?

• play hide and seek with me

2. Where does Daddy like to go out to eat?

• Babe's

3. What does Daddy do at his job?

• gives people kleenex

4. What is the best thing about Daddy?

• He is really fun

5. What is the best word to describe how Daddy looks?

• awesome

6. What is the first thing Daddy does in the mornings?

• eats breakfast

7. How long does it take Daddy to get ready in the morning?

• 5 minutes

8. What is Daddy's favorite book?

• The Bible

9. What is Daddy's favorite food?

• Chocolate pudding

10. Who does Daddy love the most?

• The family

Happy Father's Day Bruce!