Dad is proud of me!

Just when I needed one of my Mom's classic pep talks, my Dad tells me he is proud of me. My Dad is a wonderful, kind, and smart man. I crave his approval like a junkie craves a fix. The reason I crave his approval is because I have SO MUCH respect for him.

Dad is one of those people who's intellect is amazing. He also have a true and strong moral compass. How could I not respect the heck out of him? The thing that always has been hard is that I didn't feel like he liked me. It turns out that he does like me -- he views me as strong and less in need of his help. No longer does he look at me as the teenager who had the rebellious streak.

So, all this time I was craving his approval he was looking at me as one of his kids who didn't need his help. When I was at the hospital with him and Mom I learned this. After she passed, the grief counselor told me his description of me. He described me as a very strong person.

Sometimes it takes someone on the outside to help bring you closer. I have felt closer to him than ever before in my life since we had dinner this summer -- just him and I. There is something great about having alone time with your parent. I never have this luxury due to the fact that I'm the 3rd child of 4 and I have two children of my own. I'm never alone, let alone able to spend one on one time with him.

We chatted this morning about how many classes I am from student teaching and teaching certification. I told him 3 more after the 3 I'm presently taking. He was really happy for me. He told me it is a heck of an accomplishment (going back to school, raising kids, working at the same time...).

Sometimes when you need that little pep talk it comes from an unexpected place. I am so glad my Dad and I talk more now... He is a gem. I needed that pep talk -- his timing was perfect.