My dad has a way with words that I feel like I have only partially inherited. I love to write, but his ability to tell a story either through writing or speech is like no one I've ever met. He can make a memory come alive and you will be hooked, laughing and crying as you sit entrenched in his every word. Not only is Dad an amazing storyteller, he also offers really great advice, but almost never without being asked, which makes the advice that much more valuable.
When I became a parent my dad started telling me stories about when we were kids, like how my brother Scott would sit with him and read a book and knew exactly when to turn the page at age two. Dad quickly realized that Scott wasn't reading, but rather had memorized the book and knew the appropriate time to turn the next page of Curious George.
Gardner is much the same way. When Uncle Robbie reads books to Gardner he often skips around and doesn't ever really read the story and Gardner knows and looks at him strangely, but I digress.
My parents did a great job with my brother and I. We have both grown up to be well-adjusted and productive members of society, and after all, isn't that the point of being a parent? Both my parents are incredibly proud of us, and I wondered how they managed such a feat.
Upon reflection of my dad's time as a parent for the past 29 years he had this to say:
“Parenting is by far the hardest thing I’ve ever done. The toughest part was that I didn’t ever know how I was doing. I had to wait 20 years down the road to find out if I had made the right choices. It’s the long game.”
— David Phillips aka "The Dad"
I'm grateful for my dad's nuggets of wisdom as I try and navigate this parenting thing to the best of my ability. I guess I have to wait 20 years to find out how I'm doing. It feels like a long time, but until then I will try and enjoy each special moment with my kids, because as my dad also said:
“You only get one chance at this, once it’s over you can never go back.”
— David Phillips aka "The Dad"
Thanks Dad! I hope you have a special Father's Day! Keep the words of wisdom coming!