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This Sunday is Father's Day and I always scramble to find something appropriate to get Dad. He has more fishing lures than he knows what to do with, way too much discounted Detroit Lions apparel (every year he says, "This is the year!") and more motor magazines then he can read in eighty years.
Although I never know what to get him, here are a few things I know and admire about Dad:
He harbors big dreams, and I can see it in his eyes as he pauses to smoke a cigarette outside his garage and admire his unfinished baby blue '56 Chevrolet pick up truck.
He takes pride in the work he's completed. I know there isn't a single room in the house I grew up in on Chapel Street that he hasn't done some fixing, touching up or remodeling to, as it now sits for sale, waiting for the perfect person or family to appreciate the work he's done.
He packs up his fishing gear and hooks up an old flat bottom boat to his old truck when he wants to get away for a bit with Mom. And he always makes a bet with Mom on who will catch the first fish, and gives her the best seat in the front of the boat.
He is a kind and patient man as he had to put up with my stubbornness and attitude as a teenager. And his patience has paid off too, as he has three children he can certainly be proud of today.
Dad, it was hard to find the words to describe what I wanted to say to you on Father's Day. You've been the best dad and I couldn't be more lucky. I hope I can find the perfect gift before Sunday, but in case I don't, I hope these words will do.
Love you Dad!