I lost my dad this past Sunday. He was my hero. I always aspired to be like him. When fans describe me as an entertaining showman, I get it from my dad as he was a singer who flourished on stage. When I'm described as a fun personality who lights up a room, I get it from my dad as he was always the life of the party. When I receive a call because I'm known as a man that can be counted on, that's me following in my father's footsteps.
When I was a little boy, mimicking my dad got me in trouble. He'd been smoking with his buddies on our front porch before heading out for a night at the bar. I grabbed a nearby lighter and tried to smoke the used cigarette buds on the ground. My sister witnessed this and told my parents. I was woken up in the middle of the night by my dad who was furious with me. After asking why I did it, I responded, "because I want to be like you." Without hesitation my dad declared, "Then you're not going to smoke anymore because I just quit". The man never smoked another cigarette again.
Displays of his love for me were aplenty. One time we were visiting my grandmother. I used to love chasing the chickens she raised in her yard. I came across a hen who had baby chicks. I ran up to it thinking I was finally going to catch one. The hen attacked me. My dad sprinted passed me as he proceeded to kick that chicken into the heavens. My grandmother screamed, "Mi gallina!" My dad definitely lost points with the mother-in-law on that one.
My dad was much harder on me when I got older. He feared I was growing up too soft and proceeded to toughen me up for the unfair world we live in. He started hazing me like he would with his adult buddies. When we'd play a game, he never let me win. In fact, he'd gloat about him being the best and that I would never beat him at anything. It really got under my skin. Every time I'd level up, my dad found ways to elevate his game out of sheer stubbornness. When my confidence began to wane, he was quick to lift me up and encouraged me to keep trying. My dad instilled his competitive fire in me. It's an attribute I lean on the most.
During my adult life, I came back to my hometown for a visit. The family decided to go out bowling. I had the game of my life. I was a machine. My dad overachieved as always, but on this day, I'd finally be victorious. A week later, my mom told me how sore my dad's arm was as he had been to the bowling alley for 3 consecutive days practicing so he could beat me the next time. I couldn't help but laugh even though I wasn't surprised.
Unfortunately, the complexities of life prevented the rematch my father sought-after. It's a shame we didn't find the time, but I'm certain he would have clobbered me. I know this because he's my dad. He aimed high. He never quit. He's the strongest man I've ever known. One of my greatest accomplishments in life is that I made him proud. He showed me off to everyone he knew. And so, I wrote this post to show him off to you; to once again follow his example. My father may not have been the perfect person, he had his flaws like everyone else, but he was the perfect dad for me and my sisters. His love for his family rose above everything and now he is able to rest peacefully. I love you, Dad!