I've been thinking about my dad quite a bit lately. We all have certain days that can be more difficult than others. Last Thursday seemed to be one for me. Sundance named a new run and I came across an old trail map that was hardly close to what it looks like now. I couldn't help but think what dad would think about all that and how I'd love to show him what I'd found.
Part of the reason of thinking about dad is that I'm coming up on some more decisions and events in life and I usually took the opportunity to counsel with him about those things. He encouraged me to take great opportunities and helped me see things from a different perspective (even if it was just his perspective). As I pondered about this, I couldn't help but say, "He always treated me as an equal... and I wasn't even close."
Dad was coming up on 44 when I was born. Before I was even thought of, he'd had twice as much life experience as I: family life, education, work, marriage. Even then, he raised eight boys, advanced in his career, retired from that career, took on responsibilities as a grandfather and more callings as a member of the Church. He's the one who taught me all I scarcely know about manhood, the outdoors, leadership. At some point - I don't what it was - I felt that he looked at me, talked to me, and treated me like some kind of equal. I don't feel that I really ever deserved that.
He would listen to what I had to say. More than that, he would value what I had to say. "I'm proud of you, son," he'd even say on occasion. Well, dad, I'd sure love the chance to talk with you more right now. I only hope that I could get you to say that again about me. I love my dad. I have a hard enough time treating my equals like my equals. I pray that I'll remember how he treated me and hope to echo that in my life. Thank you dad.