I know we all have dads. Really there is nothing special or profound about having one. But what is profound is that some men go above and beyond to answer the call of fatherhood. I am lucky enough to have a dad like that.
And today is his 60th birthday.
Most of you probably don’t want to hear me drone on about my awesome father. So I’ll try to keep it reasonably short…and hopefully it will spur you on to call up your own dad. {Whether it’s his birthday or not.}
My daddy’s name is Warren Allender. To start with…that’s an awesome name. He’s rough and tumble, he has a built in sense of adventure, he is nearly fearless, hilarious, and has an unsatisfiable sweet tooth. If there is one man on this earth that I admire {and I recommend you do too}, it’s Warren.
Dad has lived his life doing what is right, even in the face of nay-sayers. Even in the hardest of situations. Even when everyone around him was getting ahead by keeping low morals, making shady decisions and being a bit corrupt. The decision to pursue a path on higher ground may not have always been easy, but it’s a path he always chose.
There was a long period of time when he was publicly slandered for holding his ground. For making tough choices. For defending what he believed in. I know those days were not easy, but those days shaped our family. How he handled the toughest of days shaped who we became. Those moments taught me that life would present terrible days, as well as good days. I learned that sacrificing what you believe in is never worth it. I learned that standing up for your values takes courage.
I learned that my daddy is the bravest man I’ve ever known.
Dad worked as a police officer for most of his working life. I adore his stories about his time serving at the Sheriff’s Department. Sometimes the stories are funny. Mostly because of the way he tells them…”Then this yay-hoo turned around and he was holding a machete…”
Sometimes the stories are tragic.
But his tales always convey his great love of people. And his belief that “people are people.” Each of us trying to find our way. No one person is better than another. We’ve just made a series of decisions that have brought us to where we are.
Warrie {as we lovingly call him} has the biggest heart of any one I know. He can’t watch television programs that show “…people being bad to each other…” {So that rules out most TV these days. But he does get a kick out of The Office and anything on the Discovery Channel.}
He’s the hardest working man I know. And he just might be the world’s best brainstormer. You simply cannot cause him to run out of “plan B’s.” He is talented with his hands. A craftsman and literally a master gardener.
I see Christ in his attitude, his humility, and his vast love of children. Like Jesus, children are never a bother to him. He simply draws them near and gives them the love, attention and guidance they need. I’ve watched him be a father to many others besides Sis and me.
My daddy is a fabulous man. And I can’t believe he is 60. If I’m left wondering where the time went, I’m sure he is too. I’m bummed that I’ve only known him for 25 years. {Only about 22 that I can recall.} I look forward to continually celebrating the life of this amazing man for many, many more years to come.
If you didn’t catch on…my dad rocks. I hope yours does too. Why don’t you take a sec and think about all the great ways your pop has shaped your life. Then open your contact list and give him a call. Dad’s don’t hear how great they are nearly as often as they should.
Amy
