Happy Father’s Day Dad!
Since I can’t be with you to celebrate this year, I am reflecting on all the things I am so grateful that you have taught me and how those things ultimately have better prepared me for The World Race. Just to name a few…
One. You’ve taught me to have endurance.
Those 20+ mile training runs in the dog days of summer, battling the hills in the Big Sur marathon, and all those training runs I didn’t want to do but you encouraged me through, have all taught me to push through in the hard times in life and on this Race.
(Just after finishing the Big Sur Marathon together)
Two. You’ve taught me to be adventurous.
Between skydiving together, parasailing, water-skiing side-by-side, cliff jumping, snow runs, and all the other adventures we’ve been on, you’ve taught me to live this life to the fullest. You’ve taught me to seek out adventure and chase after my dreams. I still love this quote that you reminded me of when I was having doubts about doing the Race:
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain
(Skydiving)
Three. You’ve taught me to give generously.
While you’ve taught me to give generously financially, you’ve also taught me to give generously with my time. Whether it was coaching me in softball, making it to every single one of my high school cross-country meets, or spending hours driving (and flying) just to watch me race and cheer me on in college, you always sacrificed so much of your time just to support me in whatever I was doing and for that I am so grateful.
(XC Nationals Banquet Dinner)
Four. You’ve taught me to serve others.
The way that you love our neighbors and genuinely care about your friends makes me want to serve better. I think the title of “newspaper angel” says enough:)
Five. You’ve taught me to work hard and play harder.
You have worked so hard over the years to provide for our family, but you never brought your work home with you. I admire you for not letting your work define you or consume your life. It has always been just one aspect of your life that has ultimately allowed us to go on some of our crazy adventures.
(Exploring Prague)
Six. You’ve taught me to love nature and to appreciate the world around me.
Whether it was stopping in the middle of a trail run to appreciate God’s creation, pointing out the beauty of the fairy lilies growing on our deck, or the stillness of Smith Mountain Lake in the early morning hours, your love for the world around us has instilled in me an appreciation I am so grateful for.
Seven. But best of all, you’ve helped me to have a better understanding of just how much my Heavenly Father loves me, because of how well you’ve loved me as your daughter.
Thank you for loving me so well for the past 23 years! I couldn’t imagine completing this race without your constant love and support!
XOXO
