Father's Day

This trip has kept us away from both our Mom on Mother's Day and from our Dad on Father's Day today. So Dad, even though we have to save our hugs for Berlin (just a week and a half away!!), I won't let this day pass without sharing some of the things I love about you.

The first thing I want to mention is that my Dad knows everything. I'm prone to think up random questions about random things. EX: If you're driving down a hill and your breaks stop working, should you yank the emergency break up or pull it up steadily? Why is diesel so much more expensive than gas if it's better for your car and the environment? Why is the sky blue? etc. etc. etc. Google is therefore my best friend. But when it's not available (even when it is) I much prefer to ask Dad. He always has an answer, and I've learned that when he doesn't know the answer he still gives such a detailed "I don't know" that I walk away satisfied. Sometimes I'll even keep a note with me with a list of questions to ask Dad. On this trip, I've sometimes turned to KK and asked my silly questions... To which I've had to get used to a consistent "I dunno" or "Who really cares about that, Carrie." I should probably start following the news and reading non-fiction books on my own... but I'll hold off until it's absolutely necessary. 

One of the traits I most admire, and one that I try to imitate in my own life, is your willingness to try new things. This usually is in the form of the latest gadget or smart technology. I love that you are usually one of the first to have the latest cool thing NOT just because it's new and everyone wants it, but because innovation excites you. You like to try out new stuff. If you like it, great! If you don't, just send it back or sell it. No matter how silly (think glasses :P) or crazy (getting your motorcycle license for your friend's week long motorcycle trip), you're willing to try it.

But this leads me to another favorite trait. Your wisdom. Technology, motorcycles, and maybe skydiving (please??) you will try. You are full of courage but you are also very wise. You know when to draw the line. You have built your life on Christ and everything you do reflects Him. I can trust my Dad's actions and often observe how you treat situations that I myself have to deal with.

As a daughter, it is the best thing to have a Dad who raises his children just like Jesus commands fathers to. You love us well - we're disciplined when we need to be, we're left to learn from our mistakes when it's appropriate, we're helped get back on our feet when we don't deserve it. We grew up without cable TV, we pay for our cell phones, we didn't get new cars for graduation etc. And I want to tell you thank you. I am so thankful to have grown up with healthy habits. I've learned the importance of financial discipline and Christ-centered decision making. I have a lot of room to grow in these areas, but I am so blessed to have an excellent example and encourager in you. You always take every opportunity to say, "I'm proud of you."

So thanks, Dad. I'm proud of you too. Men like you are rare so KK, myself and the boys are so blessed to have you as our Dad. 

Love,

-C&C

A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered.

-Proverbs 17:27