Walking4Air

A day out on the beach ~ me and my dad!

A dad is.. someone who
wants to catch you before you fall
but instead picks you up,
brushes you off,
and lets you try again.

A dad is… someone who
wants to keep you from making mistakes
but instead lets you find your own way,
even though his heart breaks in silence
when you get hurt.

A dad is… someone who
holds you when you cry,
scolds you when you break the rules,
shines with pride when you succeed,
and has faith in you even when you fail.

Today is not be an easy day for many. I’ve watched friends lose a parent, I’ve watched parents lose a child ~ neither is either to stand and witness. So many have lost their fathers and fathers have lost their children far too soon. I’m one of the lucky one’s, blessed to still have my dad (and my mom) in my life and while my dad is still in my life, so I will celebrate him.

Today I was lucky enough to spend an amazing day with my family, two generations of fathers, my dad and my brother.  Grabbing a few old photos for this post, memories came rushing back. We were always going away and more often than not we were always outdoors and maybe this is where my love of the outdoors, the sea and the mountains come from.

A hike on the mountain with my dad ~ A place I have always loved!

Dad, you have taught me to be generous, whether in the form of money, time or compassion and you continue to show me today.  You have shown me how to have a good time and to celebrate life. Your rugby days taught me how to party all night long and your rugby team mates became extended fathers ~ how lucky could one daughter get. I love listening to your stories of your time spent sailing overseas and stories of you growing up and my favourite story of all times will always be of you as a young adult on your bike, zooming over that Rondebosch hill and your ensuing encounter with the milkman and his horse! Not forgetting, of course, an entirely different story and time, landing up in hospital and charming the skirt off the nurse on duty, the nurse who I now call mom!  Your fun, naughty, stubborn, and  adventurous streak runs through my veins ~ what a truly awesome gift.

Always there, watching over us.

Dad, you’ve always been there for me no matter how badly I screwed up. I know that whenever something goes wrong I can call you and you will be there for me immediately. You have helped me in ways that are immeasurable. The only way I know how to repay you is to chase my dreams and live my best life, so much of which you showed me how.

The lessons you taught me over the years are far too large for words but sometimes when words fail a picture speaks a thousands words.

Like father, like son! Special moments shared.

Back on the mountain again. When I asked my dad today about his long socks in the photo he said they were in fashion back then!!

Weekend away ~ Sun, sea, mountain!

A son’s first hero & a daughter’s first love.

You taught us both how to ride a bike!

You even taught us how to build a house or in this case a garage!

You took us to the highest mountains, with the most beautiful views!

You taught me how to taste each drop of life and not to waste a moment living.

Along with mom, the four of us make a pretty great family ~ Thanks for the memories!

Thanks for your time, your effort and for being one amazing dad we can all count on!

To Dad With Love ~ Happy Father’s Day!!