- My dad is hilarious. He can make me laugh, and does so an a regular basis.
- He is an excellent story teller. Granted I have heard most of his stories several times, but that doesn't make them any less wonderful. I think he has a rolodex in his head that he can cross reference. You could give him a subject, or two and he would have a story. For example, bee pollen and Kermit the Frog. There's a story about that, and it will make you laugh.
- I appreciate his musical taste. He introduced me to Michael Buble and Blood, Sweat and Tears - two of my favorites.
- He makes the best PBJs. They are excellent comfort food.
- He shared one of his favorite things with me, golf. He started me in lessons in 5th grade and was my coach all three years of middle school. The fact that he spent several years coaching the middle school girl's golf team says a lot about who he is, and his tolerance for squeaky girl talk. I played from 6th grade through my junior year in high school. He was at almost all of my matches. He was never mad or angry when I missed a shot, but always supportive. The only time I remember him being really upset was 6th grade. Our team was undefeated and we lost our only match to Martinsville, by one stroke. He asked all of us in the van on the way back to go over all the holes we played, and think of at least one shot we could have improved - and that would have made the difference. That was probably the quietest the van had ever been. When I decided to not play my senior year, he wasn't mad, but glad I was becoming more involved with other things I enjoyed. He still says I have a "natural swing" and I know that I could have put a lot more effort into that sport and have become a much better player. But I also know, if I ask him to go play tomorrow he will be thrilled.
- He went to countless concerts, marching band competitions, and musicals because my sister and I were performing.
- He is fantastic with kids. My step-mom jokes that he is Santa Claus because kids will just come up and talk to him. He can stop any baby from crying. It is part of what made him a fantastic children's minister. That, and the fact he always had candy in his office, slept on the church roof, ate a goldfish and shaved his mustache a half at a time - those last few were VBS bets. There was a mohawk in there too, but we don't really talk about that.
- He is great at his job, and I learn this more and more as I get older. This past fall I watched him perform the funeral service of his younger brother. I don't know how he made it through, but he did so with eloquence and his sweet sense of humor. I was home a few weeks ago, and we were at the grocery store picking up things for dinner. He ran into an older lady from the church and remembered her and what was happening in her life and was so kind and genuine in his care for her. He loves people well.
- He is a great husband. He lived the vow "in sickness and in health." I am thankful for the marriage he had with my mom. His relationship with my step-mom has brought joy and peace, for him and me as well.
- He is into bow ties now, and I think it's pretty great.
- I have never doubted that he loves me and is proud of me. I know this because he tells me often.
- He says he wants his daughters to be happy, healthy, love Jesus, and to live at home. His response to me is, "three out of four isn't bad."
So Happy Father's Day Perry David. I love you, and promise one of these days to celebrate this holiday in person.
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