“It’s a bird, it’s a plane, its Superman,” or to many, like me, it was dad.

Dads do more than we realize or give credit for. I didn’t know this until I was older and had a family of my own and saw what dads do, like Scott.

I always knew dad worked hard but I didn’t know all the things he did behind the scenes of daily life. The countless hours of fixing everything; the car, the lawnmower, furnace, sink and sometimes hearts. All these things were done so our lives could run smoothly. We went about our life as though everything in our world was good. 

When I was growing up, dad knew a little bit about everything or so it seemed. There was no YouTube or Google. Dads had to be somewhat mechanically inclined. It was better if you could do it yourself and save money. This way you could take the family on a summer vacation or get something new for the house. I didn’t think about the life lessons he was teaching at the time, I was busy living a kid’s life.

Like most dads, they have a fun side and dad was the biggest kid of all. He would walk on his hands, roller skate, engage in water balloon fights or spray us with the hose. He took time to play and loved to joke around. It was just his way and made him a favorite among our friends. 

“Dadisms,” what are they? The things that only a dad would say and do, like “Pull my finger or what’s that on your shirt?”  

Our dad liked to do this one thing. He would call you back when you were getting ready to leave. You would go see what he wanted and then he would say. “Would you have made it out the door if I hadn’t called you back?”  He would laugh and laugh. Humor was important. 

Dad was easy-going and laid back – calm on every level. He did not like to discipline – he just didn’t. But if he was disappointment in something we had done or didn’t do – that was devastating. 

The outdoors was the best place to be. Whether it was in the woods or fishing, it was a relaxing time for dad and most dads I imagine. I remember going out in the boat or watching him cast from his favorite spot on shore. It was peaceful and a way to unwind.

“Love your neighbor as yourself,” was commonly practiced by dad. I saw his kindness, his desire to help and his gentle way with people.

Most dads are self-sacrificing and usually the last ones to get anything new. You never hear them complain. Family is always first and foremost. Dads protect and serve like no other. 

If you are lucky to have your dad here, enjoy him, you are blessed! For those of you who look to the heavens, our dads are still watching over us.

They may not have been Superman flying around in capes and saving the world, but they were our heroes and saved us in more ways than we know. Happy Father’s Day!