My Dad

I don't want to get too flowery about my father.

I don't think he would like that as much as a good old solid dose of what I feel to be the truth about him.

My Sire is rock sober solid. There is no finer soldier in the ranks of getting the task done as T Stephen. He scared the living crap out of me for Thirty years in his vain attempt to instill that same solid nature in me (I'm sure that had he not mellowed some over time, he would still rattle my cage were he so inclined).

My Father is a man of God. His belief system is based on two basic precepts as I see it, firstly; how a man get's through every second of the day ought to stand up to a Gods scrutiny, (My father was to me God and I was a hell bound train from the age of fourteen or so). second; raise as many kids as God deems you worthy to raise as best as you can (5 boys 3 girls).

My Dad worked hard for a living (retired). He was and is a first class salesman. If he ever pulled a boner wrong move, I never knew of it. (that may be more of a testament to my moms silence than fact?).

My Bubba stands up for things and rarely backs down. I'm not saying he can't be beat, It just isn't easy and unless your solid gold certain he will likely come at you again. My dad pays the price, he looks for good value and often negotiates, but when it comes time to pay the bill there is no vacillation or excuse, debt is not an option.

I wasted years resenting him and his (evil) ways, after all who in there right mind would want to emulate a rock solid, sober, god fearing, hard working, talented, honorable, intelligent, frugal, responsible American male.

I'ld like to just skip right to the apology and a thank you or two, Dad I am heartfelt sorry for the several hellish moments I put you and mom through, You didn't deserve it.

Thank you for never lowering your values to try and fit into what I thought a Father should be, but raising your own bar and allowing me to see all a father can be.

Thank you for never letting love and respect be a debt for services rendered, but a moment of realization hard won in raising my own.

I love you now more than ever and though I can never hope to be the same man, I can honestly say that because of you I am one (hell bound train significantly slowed).

-Hermit King-

Orig. Published 11/09

https://open.spotify.com/track/6HpX1vw7fklrHFrHkWUQIT?si=0KhCXqSESZSFke2rO9LxKQ