Father's Day this year was kind of special. I earned my second degree black belt at the end of May, and had the distinct pleasure of having my son be the first to tie my belt, just as I had done for him two years ago.
The martial arts have become the way our family has connected on a very fundamental level. I have seen my son (and then my wife) go through an experience that is fairly unique, and one that I got to share with them. Somehow, no matter what else happens in our lives, I know we will always share that experience. My youngest is eagerly awaiting his chance at this experience in a few years...
That kind of shared experience is something that I never had with my father. We have grown closer as adults, but I am glad that I have the relationship with my kids that I always hoped to have with my dad.
After I got my black belt in May, my dad cam
e up and gave me the biggest hug. He has finally found a way to connect to me, and this is one more thing that makes me grateful for all that I have, and all that I continue to experience.This year's Father's Day gave me a moment to pause and reflect on all of my good fortune. I have been extremely lucky to have had a dad throughout my life, even though at times we didn't really understand each other, or even like each other. One of my teammates in this past cycle lost her dad to cancer last year. My wife lost her dad to a heart attack when she was ten. I may have grown up in a house where I didn't really know my dad, but he was always there, and you could always depend on him. It took me a long time to realize it, but his family was the most important thing in the world for him.
I am very grateful for him, and for all that he has given me -- even though I didn't realize it at the time.
It took me a long time to figure out what I was good at. But I know this: I'm a good dad, and being a good dad is all that I really need.
Oh, and go Spain!
