As I get older each year, I can see myself doing some of the same things that my dad did. It is obvious that I am following his parenting style. By the way, my dad died at age 50 from pancreatic cancer, which was around 18 years ago. Of course, we still miss him everyday, and wish he was still here. I would love to hear his take on some of the things that are going on in the world today.

I thought he was young back when he died, but as I grow older, I realize just how young he really was. I would love to be able to see him play with my kids and go watch a Steeler game with him. All of the things that I like to do with my kids. I remember some of the things that he would say or make us do as a kid and I make my kids do the same things. I never really disagreed with most of the things that he would make us do or how he disciplined us. He basically let us do our thing unless we screwed up, then he would straighten us out in no uncertain terms! If we were acting like a bunch of jags, he would tell us about it. I now realize that I was learning lessons from him everyday.

It got to the point that I had a healthy respect for him. I didn’t want to get in trouble, because I didn’t want to let him down. I wanted to live up to his expectations of me. He was always very supportive of me as a kid and I wanted to be someone that he could be proud of. He was proud of me, I know because he told me. Now that I have three sons, I try to let them know how proud I am of them. It is very easy to look at the things that your kids do that make you mad or are not up to your expectations. A real father tries to emphasize the things that their kids do that are good.

I am not saying that my dad was perfect at this, he wasn’t. Either am I though. I still yell at my kids over stupid stuff that doesn’t really mean anything. I just try to remember that they are only kids and just like me, aren’t perfect. Tammy is the best at letting our kids be kids. I learn from her everyday. She has a knack for being a great mother, but also knowing when to be strict with them.

So, just like my dad. I am my kids biggest fan, but also the one that will kick them in the ass when they need it.