I've been blessed with 3 dads... my dad Tom, my step-dad Dave and my father-in-law Tony. All of them taught me life's most important lessons; To take responsibility... To have accountability, political integrity, respect for my elders, humility, and to always remember, "Look both ways at a 4 way stop."
Dave... you gave the best hugs and always cried when you laughed. You always made my friends feel welcome when they came to visit. You made the best b-bq chicken I've ever tasted and how you loved your Martinis. Seeing how much you loved my mother with your whole heart, taught me that unconditional love really does exist. You got the biggest kick out her and I always loved it when you imitated her walking limping down the hallway while farting the entire way... You were always a trooper letting her and I dress you up for those Halloween party invitations, especially that year we dressed you up as Tootsie. She was never the same after you passed and somehow probably felt that her world was flat without you around. I think of you often and thank you so much for teaching me all about politics. I learned more about the truth from you in our conversations than I ever did in any Poly Sci class I took.
"Not my real dad, but I loved you as much..."
Tony... you always treated me with such care. I always knew that your gruff exterior was just a cover-up for the nicest insides of just about any man I know. You and I always had a special relationship and everything about you I adored. We had some good times up in the north country and even though you probably thought I was a bit cooky, you never discouraged me from loving your son. You had class and manners and being around you made me want to be more of a lady. I loved that we liked to drink coffee together and that you were loyal to the bone. You had a great love for Doris and once again knowing you taught me all about unconditional love... I miss you and think of you so often. I see your work ethic and traditional values in TL and I will forever be grateful you rooted for me.
"Not my real dad either, but I loved you as much..."
Dad... you've taught me many lessons. Mostly about taking responsibility for my own life. You've always had my back and been there when I needed you the most. Even when it cost you. I admire your ability to go the distance, stay the course and do it in a way that always has honor. You're a military man. A man that has probably seen things nobody should ever have to endure in a lifetime. You're also a Cowboy true and true. I'm so thankful I've not ever got that phone call from the Border Patrol, you know the one... When they call to tell me that you've been found riding your hoarse along the border of Texas/Mexico with a shotgun in one hand and a bottle of whiskey in the other, yelling things like, "No Pass-o, No Pass-o!" You make me laugh especially when you seem to be able to predict each and every single baseball season. How come your team is always the one who is in first place? That's amazing. I love you dad and appreciate the relationship we've grown to have over these years. You crack me up, make me want to be a "better me" and even though at first you weren't so sure, I appreciate how you've come to care for my TL. He's not such a bad guy after all.
Tom: Who doesn't work for the CIA, but wears his sunglasses so you'll think that he does.
Happy Father's Day, Dads..!
