My dad

He is Noble, tells the best stories of playing with bulls as a kid.
Honest
Amusing; clever at times even comical
Intelligent
Gracious
A sense of Chivalry
Firm
Affirming
Independent
Caring
Lovely
Handsome
He is a man of integrity and his own toughest critic and mine.
He is my Poppy!
We don't get to pick our parents, I am blessed to have the best.
My father came from a humble upbringing in Mexico. He lost his own dad when he was 10. My father taught my brothers and I by his example which instilled in us a sense of duty and loyalty within our family and towards others and for our country.
It was a sense of patriotism that never felt like an obligation. We wanted to to understand our "Freedom" our parents discussed openly at the dinner table. So, the dye was cast in me from he and my mother from a very young age to understand my position; we had what so many others took for granted.

Ironically Tim Russert of our favorite show passed away over this Fathers Day weekend. Meet the Press was a staple in our home growing up. I don't really remember the host I first watched with my dad when I was little . I do remember that after each show Sunday that my dad and I would go for a walk or be doing something that allowed him to ask me questions about what we had watched and heard. It was always the same; so you can imagine I paid attention!
He would ask, did I understand this idea or that issue which was discussed?
I can remember those conversations going back to when I was 7-8 or 9, it was just a part of growing up with my dad.
What a great lesson for me, even if I didn't understand it then. I think his big picture view is one of the reasons my father stands out in care for those in his community who have less.
(funny stories .... he is known for negotitating labor rights for latin workers at his golf course)

He plays at a club that had once been whites only. How neat, he has gone on to have won its senior title a couple of times. He has slowed down quite a bit in his retirement, it's now golfing and his "book club" and special projects and his Meet the Press Sunday's.

I am sure Mr. Russert will be missed by him; I know he will by me. Mr. Russert like my father are made from the cloth of nobility. (It's never about things...it's always about people!)
My dad a man who loves well and deeply!
To my dad, thank you for being the best. I love you Poppy!