The Only Thing That Remains is the Smile I Inherited

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #LessonsFromDad #CollectiveBias

Everyone is posting about Father's Day Gift Guides and I have been bombarded with so many emails and commercials for Father's Day. Each time I come across them I immediately distract myself from those messages. If it's an email, I delete it to be hidden for all of eternity. This is the first year I haven't had to think about buying a Father's Day present. This is the first year I don't have to look at my husband and ask, "What should I get my Dad this year?" This is the first year I won't have to pick up the phone on Father's Day to call my Dad. 

You know, each day has come and gone just like all the rest, but the grief still remains. It's like an ocean - some waves bring joy while others bring silence. The silence I hear when I call my parent's house and my Dad doesn't answer the phone. The silence I hear when talking to family members - my Dad's name isn't mentioned anymore. The silence of my Dad's stories that I can no longer learn from. 

Father's play a huge role in our lives. They protect us while we are children, teach us valuable lessons throughout our teenage years, and watch us grow as adults. And while everyone is celebrating their Father's on Father's Day, I will only have him in memory. 

The memories of his smile - the one I inherited. 
He taught me to be strong and that life can be hard, but your smile can still be genuine. 

The memories of him being a UofM fan and his disapproval of my MSU shirt. 
He taught me that it's okay to have my own opinion. In fact, he told me it's okay to stand firm with my own opinions. 

The memories of him walking me down the aisle on my wedding day. 

The memories of him bonding with my 'rat' as if she were his granddaughter. 
I've learned from him that love comes in all different forms regardless of how it's expressed. 

The memories of him in so much pain that it was too hard to watch. Too hard to truly believe this was happening to our family. 
During that time, he taught me and my entire family that it's okay to be vulnerable - vulnerability is strength. 

All of these memories are from a distant past and I wish he was still around to say something snarky or to just share some wisdom. Now I look towards Protective. A lot of these money lessons are the same things my Dad once told me. 

Share your story. What has your Dad taught you?
Be sure to give your Dad an extra tight hug because you can. And if you are celebrating his memory, my heart hurts for you.