When I prepared to write something for our weekly visit, I really didn’t know what I was going to write. Then, a quick glance at the calendar and a bit of math work made me realize today would have been my father’s 92nd birthday. I have always remembered that Jan. 3 was my dad’s birthday and I always enjoyed celebrating the day with him, but I admit I had not paid a lot of attention to the day for the past several years. My dad passed away close to 20 years ago and I still feel his spirit in my life. For that, I am very grateful.
When my father passed away, one of my good friends correctly stated that he was a “man’s man.” That was very true of my dad. He loved to hunt and fish. He enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle. He coached football in his younger years. He had a level of integrity that was unfortunately much more common in his day than it is today. I try hard to live up to that level of integrity in my own life.
My dad never saw me in my work here at the newspaper. I like to think he would be proud of the work I do. I often thought it was difficult to earn my father’s pride. Looking back, I tend to realize that I was probably mistaken about that. I think, in my father’s eyes, no matter what you did, if you did it to the best of your ability and you treat people honestly and fairly, that was worthy of admiration. That’s the legacy I think Earnest Lamar “Pat” Patrick left for me. It’s a legacy very much worth striving to live up to.
If you are fortunate enough to have either, or both, of your parents with you, please give them a call right now and tell them you love them. As for me, I will try to carry a bit of Pat Patrick with me as I make my way down the Sunny Side. Happy Birthday Dad.