It is almost Father’s Day again. It’s a special day for me because I have such a great dad, or “Pop”—as my daughter and I call him. I want to begin by saying that I feel sorrow for all those who don’t have a father, and for those who have one who isn’t really that great. I sincerely think I have the best dad one could have and I know there are a lot of you out there that feel the same as I do—and that’s an awesome thing.
This is one of many great dad stories I have; I clearly remember this one—it stands out as one of my better ones. I was in my second year of college and had just broken up with my girlfriend. Homework and my work/study job were getting real sour and I had lost my starting position on the baseball team. This was all happening in the same week. Well, I have to admit that baseball was at the top of the ladder for importance and I was really down. Baseball was the reason I was at this school in Fort Smith, Arkansas. So, I called my Pop and he listened to me and said that he was going to take off that Friday and stay the weekend with me and we would talk it through. Wow—I really was relieved to hear that. And I was not looking forward to seeing him go that Sunday. He drove 10 hours round trip to ease my pain and to give me some pointers. That Friday I almost packed it up. I was about to call him to tell him I was coming home and not to come because I had quit. It didn’t happen because when I spoke to him I felt relief to hear his voice, and I felt that things were going to be alright. He gave some advice, but he mainly listened and comforted me that weekend. Because of my Pop, I wound up staying and everything worked out. I made the ‘B’ honor roll and got my baseball starting position back, leading the team in hitting and making the All Region Team. I didn’t get another girlfriend that year, but two out of three ain’t bad.
I wouldn’t trade anything for Pop; I hope I can be as good to my daughter as he is to me. If I’m just half the dad he is it would be a blessing for her. I’m glad she is getting to know him and love him like I do. He is one of a kind. He’s my Pop and I love him so much.
~Zane