It’s been a little while since I’ve written a blog post and not due to a lack of ideas but because nothing I was writing felt right. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about my dad. He passed away almost 3 years ago and I miss him very much.
He was a writer too-he had his own blog on Facebook called Doug’sDialogues where he would talk about music and relate it back to a lesson from the Bible. His blog inspired me to start my own blog over 2 years ago. And today we are going to talk about the lessons my Dad taught me.
Before we jump into some bullet points, I want to tell you a little about my dad. First of all, he was a drummer in multiple bands-a few cover bands over the years along with a Christian band that played at our church. He knew a lot about music-including fun facts, history and much more. He was a faithful Christian-singing hymns, speaking sermons (once or twice NBD) and making references in his blog to Bible verses.
Doug also loved adventure-whether it was camping, going to amusement parks or just taking the scenic drive home-he always had to explore. And as if he wasn’t already interesting enough, my dad was also a Civil Engineer for over 30 years (again NBD).Doug had a passion for trains and roadways. He loved to chat about them with my grandpa and uncle.
Additionally, my parents were married for over 30 years. I’m sure it wasn’t always easy especially after he got sick, but they were always there for each other no matter what. Now that you have a little backstory about who these lessons are coming from, let’s jump in.
Music Heals All
My parents always had music playing growing up. We would put it on when we had guests over and my dad would bring up fun music facts or quiz us all to see if we knew the answers.We also had a karaoke machine at our house that we would sing with friends and family on a regular basis.
Doug taught me that music is a beautiful thing. It doesn’t matter what mood you’re in (sad, happy, mad) there is a song for that feeling. I often listen to music to lift my spirits.There are a few songs that immediately remind me of my dad when I hear them and that is truly a beautiful thing.
Family is Important
Growing up, my parents always instilled in us that family was important. Whether it was going on trips together, holidays or just a random get together, they always made sure we spent time with both sides of the family.
I’m happy to say that my sister is my best friend and that I always try to make time to attend family gatherings if I’m able to. I’m grateful for the family I have and I’m always there if they need anything.
Love Yourself
For a long time, I had some confidence issues and I didn’t truly understand what it meant to love myself. I was always so hard on myself. If I got a 90 on a test, I wanted a 95. I could never just be happy with what I had accomplished. One day, I thought about how supportive my mom and dad were of me and my sister. They always took an interest in what we were doing and were proud when we had a promotion or graduation, etc.
And when my dad passed away, I lost one of my biggest supporters. Then I started thinking “If they can be proud of me then why aren’t I proud of myself?” And eventually, I decided to become my own supporter. Because why bring yourself down when you can build yourself up? Instead of thinking of all the reasons you shouldn’t like yourself, why not think of all the reasons you should instead? Love yourself-look back on how far you’ve come and be proud of yourself.
Laugh
Growing up, my family always had a sense of humor. Whether it was making fun of movies or cracking jokes on family camping trips, we always knew how to have a good laugh.We always had multiple inside jokes going on at one time. It was decided over time that my sister and I got our sense of humor from our dad. We would all be sitting there watching a movie and he would just start making fun of the movie like “That’s not realistic.” And now I do the same exact thing during movies.
But honestly, what’s life without a sense of humor? Humor can help in good times and in bad times. In bad times, a good laugh can help you get through the pain. And in good times, you can bounce jokes off each other. Laughing is good for you. It’s important to learn how to take a joke, even if it’s at your own expense. As long as the joke is kind hearted of course.
Having Fun
Doug always wanted to have parties. Whether it was for a birthday celebration, for Nascar or just a random Saturday night-he loved to celebrate. He enjoyed bringing people together, ordering good food, cranking his tunes, getting out the lawn games and powering up the karaoke machine for a good time.
I feel I’m like him in that way. I love having people over. I enjoy bringing people together for a fun time. My dad also loved setting things up for Halloween and dressing up. And Halloween is, of course, my favorite holiday. We need to learn to kick back and have fun every now and then. You are never too old to dress up for Halloween or sing karaoke.
Life if too Short
My dad’s life was taken too soon (f*ck cancer). He would have been 60 this month. And if I learned anything from him it was to make the most of every moment. Take the scenic route. Ride that roller coaster. Apply for your dream job. Take that vacation. Tell that person you love them. Throw that party. Take that class. Explore new places. Meet new people. The time to live the life you want to live and be the person you want to be is now. So what are you waiting for? Get started.
I hope these lessons today inspired you like they’ve inspired my life the last few years. You may not agree with everything your parents say, but as you get older you realize that in some ways they were right. Rest in peace to my dad, a man taken too soon. You may be physically gone but you are always in my heart. Your lessons continue on with me and those who knew you. Thank you for everything <33
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