18 for the 15th

Today is a happy day in our family. April 15th brings many feelings for people, and for most people those feeling are likely negative, but for our family April 15th was one of the days we looked most forward to. It was the day that Dad came home at lunchtime, kicked the ball outside, and took us for ice cream after dinner. Although we are now all out of the house, we still celebrate today with Dad (and the girls at the office).

In honour of Dad and how hard he has worked these past three months (and 31 years with regards to me), I have compiled a list of eighteen(couldn't cut three to make it fifteen!) things I have learned from Dad. Here they are:

1.Things that are important, like church or anything revolving around God, are worth inviting people to.
2.Donuts help in inviting people to things that are important.
3.The car is not a toy.
4.Setting goals helps in getting things done - and accomplishing goals feels awesome.
5.Quitting is rarely a good option. You only get better at things through repetition.
6.It is a compliment when people give you constructive criticism and feedback – it means they think you can get better.
7.In the car, most things go more smoothly if you do it slow (even if it annoys your teen-age kids).
8.Carrying kids in a backpack (and even more so grandkids) is a small pleasure in life.
9. Being the first to introduce your grandkids to ice cream is also a great pleasure in life.
10. Laughing at yourself is necessary for being happy in life.
11.Generosity should not only be practiced but enjoyed.
12.How you choose a spouse is incredibly important. Serving that spouse and meeting their needs is even more important.
13.Being on-time doesn’t come easily for all people (see number 6).
14.Driving an old van is good character building for your kids.
15. Sometimes eating dessert first, is not only okay, but a big treat.
16.Work is important. How hard you work and your commitment to things is more important.
17.Family is very important and worth interrupting work for.
18.God and your relationship with Him is the most important thing and should influence everything else you do.

Thanks Dad for all you have taught me. I am sure Lauren, Jason and Brian could add some which I invite them to do. We are truly blessed to have you as DAD.