The Caring Counselor

I know I probably wrote something similar to this past last year, but it felt necessary to share my thoughts again.

Today carried such a bittersweet feeling. The day served as a reminder of a significant loss in my life – one that occurred just over three years ago. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about my old man. I carry the same name for Christ’s sake. Kind of hard to escape him even if I wanted to. I don’t want to however.

My dad had his demons like all of us, but at the core, he was one helluva man. Everyone that knew him tells stories of his crazy antics, his fantastic cooking, and kind heart. I got to know him in his greatest role – as my dad.

I’d be lying if I said we didn’t have our ups and downs. I learned a lot from him about both what to do and what not to do. I now find myself in a new solidified role. Since last year, I moved in with my girlfriend, her teenage daughter, and seven-year-old son. Moving in with her not only meant a step forward in our relationship but also taking on a fresh role with the latter two.

I embraced it. I thought back to my dad and even to his dad. I remembered what they taught me and what lessons they passed down. Those are ingrained in me.

Not a day goes by that I don’t miss him. The best thing I can do now is memorialize him. I can carry out these values and lessons as a father figure to two awesome kids. I can serve as a role model. I can be the best version of a dad that I can be.

I love you, and happy father’s day.

– The Caring Counselor