A Belated Fathers’ Day Letter-

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS — Dear Editor,

This year I had the pleasure of spending some long-overdue time with my dad. Later in the evening when my son and I were eating dinner I realized just how much quality time I’ve let pass by me by talking instead of listening to my father.

I know that I’ve taken for granted this man whom as a child was my first idea of what I still believe a man should be like today. My father has always been a protector, a provider, teacher, disciplinarian and role model to his children and now his grandchildren.

So many thoughts came to mind when I didn’t always agree or understand him as I matured. Now I see it wasn’t really rebellion either of us were dealing with, but it was my lack of knowledge and experience. I once looked upon my dad as “too old” or strict whenhe was just facing the same fears and hopes for his family that I now do as a parent.

I must admit I still enjoy calling my dad to ask a simple question I most likely can find the answer to myself. His opinion and approval matter more to me than I’ve ever confessed to him in words.

So many times I accused my father of being in the wrong just so that I could come out a winner in the end despite the truth that he was right.Even though I am over the age of consent and accountability my life would have less meaning if my father had not always been there to show me that everything is not always easy and clear but worth learning and teaching to those we hold more dear than ourselves. Happy Father’s Day. I love you, Dad.

Julie Chism-Cook