Because of my Father

Because of my father, I do not shy away from a DIY opportunity... especially when it comes to broken toilets.

Because of my father, I can spiral a football. I can also throw and hit a baseball. Unfortunately, I never mastered catching a baseball. Unless you count the time I caught a baseball with my face and landed in the emergency room with a broken nose.

Dad's lil slugger
Photo Credit: Edward Pauksta

Because of my father, I know a well written letter (love, complaint, or recommendation) goes a long way.

Because of my father, I dedicate myself to hobbies and enjoy them even though I know I'll never become a professional... no matter how many lessons I take, years of practice I put into it, or money I throw at it.

We don't have many pictures of Pops.
He was always on the other side of the camera.
Photo Credit: Edward Pauksta

Because of my father, I can turn an ordinary "Sloppy Joe" sandwich into a gourmet meal by calling it a "Sloppy Joseph" and draping a dish towel over my arm like a waiter at a fancy restaurant.

Because of my father, I don't try to ride my bike up a steep hill in the lowest gear. Yeah, it hurts more when I petal, but I get up the hill faster.

Photo Credit: Edward Pauksta

Because of my father, I read consumer reports and reviews. I make sure I know the return policy. I comparison shop everything. I always read the instructions first.

Because of my father, my college dorm room was wallpapered with "The Far Side" comic greeting cards.

Because of my father, I listen to and appreciate the musical talents of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Eric Clapton, The Police, and Leo Kottke. My kids are receiving the same education.

Photo Credit: Edward Pauksta

Because of my father, "floating like an empty beer can down a river" is an acceptable style of swimming.

Because of my father, I turned in the best school projects, I wore the prettiest dress at the senior prom, and I had the best Father of the Bride speech of all time.

Not a dry eye in the house.
Photo Credit: Edward Pauksta

Because of my father, I know the early bird gets to enjoy a cup of coffee in peace.

Because of my father, I know that I will never be able to learn how to drive a car with a manual transmission. If he couldn't teach me, no one can. I've accepted this fact.

Because of my father, I have bluish-grey eyes, thick dark hair, broad shoulders, and long fingers. 

They say I look like my dad...
Photo Credit: Edward Pauksta

Because of my father, I have a low tolerance for annoying neighbors and will most likely move to a place where there aren't many around when I retire.

Because of my father, I want my daughters to go fishing, walk up and down the aisles in a hardware store, work on a car, hammer a nail, hang out in the reptile house at the zoo, and play catch with their dad, too. Hopefully, they inherited The Hub's hand-eye coordination.

Photo Credit: Edward Pauksta

Because of my father, I love a good story.

Because of my father, I tell a good story.

I am who I am, because of my father.

Happy Father's Day! I love you Pops!
Photo Credit: Edward Pauksta