I’ve been thinking about my dad a lot this week. His birthday falls on Valentine’s Day, and he would have turned 81 this year. Honestly, it’s not just this week—he crosses my mind almost every day. Sometimes I see or read something he would have found fascinating, and trust me, there was no end to the things that caught his interest. He loved random bits of information and seemed to know at least a little about everything. And if he didn’t, he was just as good at making it up—and he could be very convincing! He always seemed to have the answer or the perfect advice for whatever situation you were in.
I’m forever grateful that God gave me him as a dad. There was never a dull moment around Mike. Whether he was teaching me how to short sheet a bed or how to change a tire, there was always a lesson to be learned. The memories used to bring a few tears, but as time goes on, it gets a little easier. Lately, when memories come, I usually end up laughing. That’s what he would have wanted. He wouldn’t have wanted me to sit in sadness. He would have said, “Laurel—life is for living. Don’t be so hard on yourself. It’s okay to laugh when something is funny.”
So, in honor of Mike’s 81st birthday I am gifting some of his wisdom to the readers:
*Check your gas gauge-fill up if you’re below a quarter of a tank
*If you borrow something from someone return it in the same condition it was in when you got it
*Take the trip, make the memory, enjoy the moment
*When playing a game with a child, it’s ok to let them win sometimes, but not always. Losing is an equally important lesson
*Always do your best, even if you fail, all that matters is that you gave 100%
*Turning left into traffic without an arrow is dangerous(I used to drive out of my way to avoid left turns)
*Measure twice – cut once
So, this weekend as you celebrate Valentines Day, take a minute to check your car gauges, remember a loved one that has passed on, and if you can have a shot of whiskey. Trust me, Mike says it’s ok and he always knew what was best. Happy Birthday Daddy and Happy Valentines Day everyone!
