Say Cheese

Father’s Day is both a day of celebration and reflection. It’s a day when sons and daughters pay tribute to dear old dad, but also (at least for me) it’s a day for me to reflect on the example that my dad has given me. My dad’s example has been so important to me as I have grown up from being the youngest in a family to being a dad in my own right. I attribute all that’s right in me to the lessons I have learned from my father.

My dad is the kind of guy who could beat you every time you played him in a sport, but you would never walk away feeling defeated. Instead, you would walk away entertained and happy in knowing that you just made a new friend. He’s a very gentle person, who has an incredible capacity for compassion and the uncanny knack for seeing the positive in the bleakest of times.

My father holds humanity in the highest regard. I remember when my grandfather died (my dad’s dad), and being just overwhelmed with sadness. I remember my dad looking towards me as I was crying with tears in his eyes and saying, “I’m so proud of you.”

Bella & Tigger

I think the most endearing trait of a man is humility--humility in the face of greatness. Quite possibly God himself has seen it fit to align me with men like my father and my father-in-law in order to teach me the value of this all important trait.

Within the last week, the legendary college basketball coaching icon, John Wooden, passed away. Anyone who knew the man, knew that he preached humility above all else. Here is a man that never once spoke of his ten titles; here is a man that gave credit to everyone else—a man who was inspired to help others above all else. Humility. The lesson of his humility is what has truly lived on and inspired so many.

Our baby girl posing in the grass.