Happy Father's Day

I have four sisters. My dad has five daughters. No sons.

“Oh, your poor dad,” is that what you’re thinking? Normally that’s the first thing someone says when I disclose this tidbit about my life. As a kid I never understood it. I didn’t think my dad ever felt poor. I never felt like I was depriving my father of some part of his life.

As I grew up I began to understand the sentiment that those people were trying to convey, but I still didn’t agree with it. My sisters and I are fun, funny, smart, athletic and sure, complicated, moody, and difficult at times but nothing that should make you feel sorry for my father. Or at least nothing that should make you feel any more sorry for my father than my mother.

Parenting can’t be easy. I don’t know for sure because I’m not a mom, but I’ve heard people say that it can be quite a complicated task. I know there are probably times in the life of every parent where they fantasize about a life without kids. I know there have probably been many times when my dad wondered what he did to deserve such rotten kids, but I also know those times are far outnumbered with moments of pride, happiness, satisfaction, peace, and love.

Parenting isn’t just about teaching though; it’s also about learning. I know that my dad has learned a lot from having five strong, talented, and unique daughters. Through the years we’ve kept him on his toes and haven’t allowed too many dull moments to pass. He’s kept up with all the punches we’ve thrown his way.

I know in the past I’ve left my dad stunned and perplexed by my extreme shifts of emotions and at times he has practically drowned in my tears. Somehow though, my dad has always been able to remind me that life shouldn’t be taken so seriously because no decision we make is irreversible.

Now that is “Pura Vida.”

Happy Father’s Day.