Father's Day..2 days later.

I debated on whether or not I should do a post concerning father's day.

This isn't because I can't write a whole post on my father. On the contrary. I could probably pen a whole book on that man. I might call it something like, "Stop Being a Knucklehead: Lessons on Giving a Firm Handshake, Backing Up an Argument, and How To Impress My Father".

But my father doesn't really "believe" in social networking or other internet communities. Or sharing anything personal online, like your first name, age, interests, personal life stories, favorite color etc.

Which I get. To an extent. I mean, I have a blog. And I got a facebook when it was still only for college students.  So maybe I only kind of get it. But I haven't revealed my last name on here right? And I have yet to reveal my favorite color.

So I guess the best way to show my appreciation is to write a minimum amount by revealing as little as possible about my father...

It would be really easy to write about him like a fictional character.

For instance, he is in my phone as, "Sarge Cell".  A nickname developed by some friends based on his presence and demeanor matched with his 4 years in the marines ending as a Sergeant and his 25+ years as a police officer, where he was also ranked Sergeant. At first he didn't like this nickname. He probably still doesn't. But it stuck, so he tolerates it. Or ignores it. Either way.

I could tell you that he is the type of man who judges a person by their handshake, teeth, and first impressions . He was the type of father that didn't let his daughters date until college, and kept a whiteboard in the kitchen so that whenever we went somewhere we had to "just write on the whiteboard" the place, names of everyone who would be in attendance and a phone number we could be reached at. Sometimes two. 

I could tell you that he expected us to get honors, because he knew that we were capable. That he expected that we always be a part of a sport, and made sure each and everyone of us joined band. I could tell you that he has catch phrases like "What a  knucklehead," and "Stop being foolish".  I could tell you that many of my friends were nervous when they visited because they were fearful they might say something wrong or do something wrong. I mean they weren't actually afraid, but, didn't quite know what to expect when stepping into the household.

I could tell you that the first time Dave came to the house my father asked him to sit at the dining room table and asked him every question you could think of about his personal history. I could also tell you that when Dave asked him for permission to propose he literally asked him if he would give his life for me. Like legit Bruno Mars grenade type stuff. Dave said he'd give me one of his vital organs if our bloodtype matched, but had a hard time imagining a situation in which he'd actually have to jump in front of a bullet.

I can't make this stuff up.

If I told you all of these things, you might feel like you "know" him. Like he fits into a nice niche, larger than life character that could easily be written about in a book and fit into certain stereotypes of someone who would have a nickname having to do with his career.

But if I only told you all of these things, it wouldn't do the man that I call my father justice. Because he is much more than all of these things.

I would also have to tell you that he worked countless hours of overtime while I was growing up and the next morning would make sure we were safe and off to school. That he coached soccer teams, and always made sure we were treated fairly. I would also have to tell you that he had a closer working relationship with all of our teachers, and would be at the school in a moment's notice if he needed to.

I would also have to tell you that he has other catchphrases like "Let's got get a Scooby Snack" and changed the lyrics to a T.V. Show so that it fit my childhood nickname of "Shisha Bear". Also, if you want a personalized version of a fairytale, this is the guy to see. And does your family have a 2 part slogan that they can recite? I didn't think so. That's right. This kid does.

I would also have to tell you that while he always had high expectations, if he ever saw that we were struggling with school work, he would stay up with us until 1 in the morning making sure that we got a paper finished. And if he saw that we tried our best and still got a C, there was no shame in that.

I would also have to tell you that once my friends did visit, they always emerged from my house having felt welcomed and with a story to tell. Also, that first time that he met Dave? I would also have to tell you that he had my little sister make him a grilled cheese and commended him for being such a nice guy. And that time Dave asked permission to propose? He also told him he'd be happy to have him as a part of our family.

I would also have to tell you that my Dad never left the house to go to work without telling us that he loved us, and would call us downstairs to give us a hug and a kiss. He always made each and everyone of us feel important, loved and special.

And finally, I'd also have to tell you that he is by far the most selfless person that I have ever met. He is willing to put his neck out for anyone that he believes in and love. I have watched him always put others before himself while I grew up and as I've gotten older, have tried to be more like him.

I could tell you about the adversity and circumstances that he and other family members had to overcome in order to become an inspiring person. I could tell you about how he has continued to be a great father while he has had to battle some pretty serious stuff, all while earning his masters degree.

But that is not my story to tell, it is his. Maybe I could get him to start a blog. Or maybe a book. Shotgun writing the Foreward for that one.

I can tell you this, it includes world traveling, dual citizenships, a broken nose, dirty diapers, sandwiches strewn completely over squad cars, 9 siblings, 4 daughters, skydiving, and a slightly defiant child who could be a little mouthy but turned out pretty okay. All thanks to him.

Thanks Dad, for all that you do, and will undoubtedly continue to do.