With Warrior’s birthday having just been yesterday,( on a Tuesday… that day again) I had to talk about all you Dads out there. Father’s Day is in a few days so the strength of Dads can be measured in many ways. I’ve mentioned International Women’s Day a few years back and have never done just a Mother’s Day post so maybe next year…
That photo you see is of course me and my Dad taken around the time I was 2 or 3. Not sure where we were but I was Daddy’s Little Girl back then. There came a time when we were distant but years later, discovered our love of writing. We are closer now as I am grateful to never have suffered abuse or neglect. My Dad was a yeller and it did get kinda bad but he never abandoned us like Warrior’s Dad or never verbally abused us to the point of shame like Dana’s.
Dads aren’t perfect just like Moms aren’t. Warrior was the Ultimate Dad to his two daughters who are now grown women. He had his faults too but Dana has said how much he adored those girls like nothing else. Despite being a celebrity, he put together a Barbie Dream house, attended all their events, and was just Dad to them– not the Ultimate Warrior.
The silliness of Dads can be very different than that of Moms. My husband would play the cutest games with our kids that only was for all three of them together. I never wanted to interfere as it was so comical watching after Mommy playing all day. There was “Roofball,” “Sitting Game,” and Truck Races down the driveway. Dads are even the ones to toss kids up in the air more or in the pool! None of these games were competitive like a sport, just simple silly fun. 😜
So many qualities make someone a Dad. Just like with my Hero post last week, the need to be brave is always for their kids. WWE mourned the tragic and sad loss of Shad Gaspard as he sacrificed his own life for his son’s. He truly was the epitome of the most heroic Dad. We don’t realize until becoming adults that despite setbacks, Dads do the best they can. I mean those Dads who are present and active in their children’s lives but don’t always get it quite right even as they age.
It is about more than just a roof over your head or food on the table. Dads of years ago were feared or the punishers. That’s not how it should be and I am thankful times have changed. At least I hope they have for most. Kids won’t remember every little detail as grown-ups but they will know the love behind every effort and all the fun.
To those of you who are not Dads, that’s o.k. Maybe you are a male adult in someone’s younger life and you do matter. We all do– just in different aspects. If you are one, just show up for your kids in ways they’ll remember that’s good. Life is too short to not have happy memories.
Every family is unique with its contributing members. Warrior created his own family crest, creed, and code of honor. What an incredible legacy leaving behind for his girls to carry on. Some may disagree but for someone as bold as he was, it fit– ultimately! Guys reading this, think about what it truly does take to have that strength of a Dad. It could be yourself, your own Dad, Grandfather, or anyone earning that title without a belt. Biology doesn’t necessarily equate with being Dad material. Remember also, strength is not always physical but it comes from inside and flows outward in many ways.
We will have the good and bad memories as that is life. When you are gone to “parts unknown” someday, what will people say about you as a Dad? What will your kids fondest memories be? Make them count now so your years are spent in anticipation and not anxiety.
The serious, the sad, the silly. We own them all. Can you think back to the best memory with your own Dad? I hope you have too many and can’t choose just one. Happy Dad’s Day ( as I prefer that to Father’s) to all of you earning the best title I believe a guy can have! 💙👍👏🏻💪🏻🥇🏆
P.S. A belated Happy Birthday in spirit to Warrior and an early Happy Father’s Day. I know his girls have their OWN ultimate Daddy memories forever in their hearts. 💖💖
*** Find me also on Twitter, youtube, and Pinterest. Check out the website for Book Info too about my spiritual connection with Warrior! I will always believe….
mywarriorwritings.com 