In praise of the man who has set the bar high for all future men in his daughter’s life.
I’ve been hunting for a husband for almost two decades. Some say I’m too picky. My standards are too high. Maybe they’re right.
I do know one really good man and I guess I judge all others by the standards he’s set.
I know a man who has great courage.
Not long before his 21st birthday he approached the most beautiful woman in the world and somehow found the courage to ask her to dance. He told his friends she was “the one” and someday she’d be his wife. Fast forward more than 40 years and she still wears his ring.
I know a man who built his own boat.
Not just a little runabout but a 25-foot, five berth motorsailer. He fashioned the hull by hand in the garage of his house. Over years and years he moulded the timber and individually joined each piece.
Each stage was lovingly modeled, not manufactured. His neighbours mocked the slow progress and said that boat would never see the sea.
Eventually the hull outgrew his garage, so he built a shed as a temporary mooring. Night after night he could be found in that shed sawing and fusing and painting and measuring.
After five long years the vessel was complete. Before its maiden voyage his daughter asked, “Are you sure it will float?”
It proved to be totally sea worthy. In fact, it went on to sail the entire east coast of Australia.
A happy family nestled inside and enjoyed meals prepared in the galley. Outside they fished and laughed and memories were made.
♦◊♦
I know a man who has great vision.
A decade ago he spotted a rugged, unloved property by the sea. The rough outcrops and wild trees were hiding a million dollar view that no one else had taken the time to see.
He purchased the block with dreams of building a mansion. “It’s too much work, you’re crazy, that land’s too rocky, it’s too high, the wind’s too strong … .” The critics were numerous and noisy but nothing could drown out the voice in his head telling him he and his wife could do it.
Together they built a paradise. Sandstone gates and manicured lawns welcome the naysayers to a triumph of human endurance and ingenuity. The house stands as a testament to a vision realized.
Always thinking of others, he even opened his doors to someone who needed bed and board. Not for days or weeks, but months and months.
I know a man who changed careers.
After a successful career working his way up the corporate ladder, he decided to make a change. He was keen to be his own boss and spend more time with his family. He studied night and day to make it happen.
Today his business is so successful it’s hard for him to take a holiday. He works in the health profession and his patients are in awe of him and his knowledge of the body’s machinations honed over decades of dedication.
I know a man whose hands dry out in winter.
I know a man who likes to watch old war movies. I know a man who respects the sea. I know a man who’s a talented novelist.
I know a man who cooks fried rice. I know a man who sings like a bird. I know a man who can read an entire book in one sitting.
I know a man who laughs at reruns of Fawlty Towers. I know a man whose favourite colour is yellow.
I know a man who’s generous and kind. I know a man who wears a ring with his wife and kids’ initials.
I know a man whose name is Dad. Happy Father’s Day, I love you.
Read more Father’s Day stories on The Good Life.
—Photo credit: Dean Croshere/Flickr
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I know this man and I have huge admiration and he and his wife have a special place in my heart. Beautifully written.
I like this guy already.
Thanks, me too!
Thanks Scott, what a heartfelt comment. Thank you.
what a wonderful, inspiring article! Unfortunately, circumstances dictated that I never had the opportunity to find out whether my father had many (if any) of these attributes but can only imagine how wonderful it would be to have a father with this strength,character and devotion to his family .
this put a smile on my face. great piece.
That’s very kind. Thank you.