Originally posted on Facebook HERE

Father’s Day. I’m already a mess just thinking about my dad. Every year it’s harder for me to remember what he was like. He died in 1981. I was 22 years old. I was in the middle of my alcohol and drug addiction. I never had any sober adult years with him. But so much of what and who I am today came from him. What does it mean to be a man? Who do we look to to determine that answer? Our fathers in many cases. To me – the men I most respect have integrity. Their word is their bond. They don’t lie, they don’t cheat – they wouldn’t even consider it an option. Winning by cheating isn’t victory at all. You do things the right way, always. You give everything you have to everything you do, always. Even when nobody is watching – you do the right thing. To me, the idea of not allowing yourself to feel emotions doesn’t make you a better person. That’s often seen as a masculine trait. That seems more like fear and ego right there – can’t let anyone see you cry. Can’t tell anyone how much they mean to you. Bullshit. Real men don’t have those insecurities. They exist to serve others in some way. The passion they approach life with is one of service – to their families, their community and the world. They are loyal and honest and trustworthy. My dad was an emotional person. So am I. He was extremely hard working. I inherited that trait as well. Great sense of humor – some of you might agree with this for me, some of you might not. He was a musician. I got that from him. And he was honest and loyal. And I never doubted his love for me. He was a great role model. I can only hope to be close to what he was to me for my step-kids and grandkids. I miss him. If your father is still around, let him know how much he means to you today. We think they’ll live forever, but they don’t. And if you’re a father yourself be aware of the eyes upon you. Live your life with integrity. Kindness is not weakness. Love is not a weakness. Emotions are not a weakness. A man is what his actions say he is. Make sure your actions are what you want your family, your community and the world to see and replicate. We create the future by our actions today. Let’s be the men the world needs. Let’s live our lives in a way we make the world better for our presence within it. Let’s set an example for others by being the best we can be, always. I don’t know any other way to live. I thank my father today for having instilled a lot of that in me. Have a great day today, all you fathers and families. What an honor to hold the position.