My dad didn't have the greatest childhood. His father was pretty hard on him and his step-dad did some things that were pretty awful. I'm so thankful that my dad didn't follow in their footsteps. Although my dad was strict, I never had any doubt that he loved me and had my best interests at heart. When I was doing things I shouldn't as a teenager and my dad had a right to really take it out on me, the fact that he was disappointed in me hurt worse than being grounded.

I screwed up really bad when I was about 16. My parents left the next morning to go to Texas and make arrangements for my grandmother's funeral. When I was reunited with them at the funeral, the look on my dad's face really hurt me. He was so disappointed in me. Yet, he hugged me and I knew everything would be ok.

• Work Hard: My dad worked very hard so that he could provide the best for us. I remember him working night shifts and overtime so that we would be able to feel secure about the finances. I have always been impressed with how physically strong my dad is in spite of being so (too?) slim. I've seen him work hard around the house, on our cars, and on my motorcycle. I've learned the value of hard work from my dad. Thanks dad!

• Enjoy your work: Although I've spent countless hours around the dinner table listening to my dad complain about his bosses, he always enjoyed telling us about how he solved a problem at work, learned something new, or put together something interesting. My dad loves to solve problems. He'll tackle anything! We all get a little scared when he says, "Aw, that won't hurt anything." I learned that sense of adventure from him and have also experienced the tremendous joy that results from doing something you've never done before. I've saved hundreds of dollars! Thank God I can still call him on the phone and say, "Dad, I've got a problem!" Thanks dad!
• Play Hard: I've spent a great deal of time fishing with my dad. I count that as one of my greatest blessings. Our time hunting and fishing and working on the cabin or house was a lot of fun. Many times, I think my dad returned to work Monday exhausted from the weekend. He knew the value of escaping the city and enjoying himself. I need to do more of that. Thanks dad!

• Loyalty: I've always been able to trust that my dad would do anything to protect me and take care of me. We were watching a television show one time in which a father's children were taken away from him as he stood by and watched. I remember looking at my dad in horror and disbelief. I couldn't believe that was happening. I said, "Dad, how could a father do that?" Dad looked at me and said, "I don't know." I knew that my dad would always be faithful to us and never let anyone hurt me.
• Ingenuity: I really believe that I have been able to excel academically because my dad encouraged me to think. I've seen him stumped by something a thousand times. Every time he sits back and thinks about it for a while and says, "I believe this will work." When he tries it, it does usually work. If it doesn't-he tries something else and it does. He has helped me to see problems as opportunities to learn. It feels so great to accomplish something I didn't think I could! Thanks dad!