my dad was not a perfect man.  in the past, he had a drinking problem and wasn’t a very nice man.  i do have some fond childhood memories of being “daddy’s little girl” but those were really the exception.  even in his later years, he had many character flaws and could seriously drive me nuts with computer calls.  the one thing that cannot be denied, however, was his devotion to family in the last decade and a half or so.

• he never missed a single season of going to at least one of each of his grandkids’ sporting events.  it didn’t matter that he lived 45 minutes away, he was there to show his support.
• he showed up for every holiday event that he was invited to and was just happy to be a part of it.
• he went all the way to north ga while battling illnesses to check out his DIL’s new restaurant, even though his relationship with his son was less than ideal.
• he filled his house with pictures of his son and his family just to feel close to them.
• he drove six hours to watch his SIL complete an all-day race, despite severe health issues.
• he was there to see his first grandson graduate even though it meant climbing steps when he needed a walker just to walk.
• he left in the middle of a blood transfusion to be here to meet his newest grandson on the day he was born.
• he never stopped defending his ex-wife, constantly telling people what a great mother she was and encouraging reconciliation for things he didn’t understand.

my daddy was a man who transformed himself, with the help of others, from a mean alcoholic to a loving father and friend.  i was really proud of him for overcoming his past, even though he still had his moments.  he had regrets and tried his best to make amends for them.  i am so thankful for the relationship that we built in my adult years and will cherish the memories we created during that time for the rest of my life.