As Father's Day approaches, what does your dad mean to you?

Today, Father's Day, makes me think of my father. He was a mailman for most of his working years, and knew many people. He loved to laugh, sing show tunes (off key), watch all kinds of movies (I think that's where I get it from), had a thirst for knowledge, and he liked to write. I remember his desk. It was a large, wooden desk, and he always had pens, pencils, liquid paper and a spelling dictionary. He would get soo angry when things turned up missing from the desk, that was usually my doing. He also had a very bold color palette of language, usually the four letter kind. It didn't matter what mood he was in, he would often throw in an obscenity to emphasize a point. I inherited that too, but I use it most behind the wheel of my car.

When my father passed away at the age of 50, in 1988, I was a month away from being 18 years old. I was very angry at him for not taking better care of himself. He was an alcoholic. But, as I grew and matured, I started to look at him for all that he was, instead of all that he was not. I started to realize how very much alike we are, and I am thankful that I spent time with him. I am thankful I got to know him well, and I am proud to say I am very much like him. Not because I swear like him, but because I also have a sense of humor, a love for movies, a thirst for knowledge, and a passion for writing.

My Dad, as flawed as he was, instilled in me the importance of hard work, and education. Oh yeah, and you don't let others push you around. At the time, I had no idea my Dad was the image of what I was to become. I miss him very much, and wish he would of lived to see my daughter . But I tell her about him, I guess that will have to be enough.

I still have that desk.