Today marks the birthday of my late father, a man who had an immeasurable impact on my life and the lives of those around him. As I reflect on his life and legacy, I am reminded of the many lessons he taught me and the memories we shared together. Although he is no longer with us, his influence continues to shape who I am today, and who my children and grandchildren are. I want to honor and remember my father, Dennis, by sharing some of his life lessons and reflecting on his legacy. Join me in celebrating the life of my father and the impact he made on those who knew him.

Celebrating the Life of My Father

As we celebrate the life of my father on his birthday, it is important to remember the impact he made on those around him. Dennis was a man who believed in the power of kindness and the importance of family. He always went out of his way to help his family and friends, and his generosity was felt by all.

Dennis was the oldest of nine children. As I was growing up, I can remember his siblings and their children, my cousins, around all the time. Dad always seemed to have time for each of them. I can remember him going to go help them whenever they asked. To me, he was the strongest man mentally and emotionally around. He did so much for so many of us. The family was very important to him. He taught me that same thing. My family and friends can call and I go running to help. Nothing is more important to me than being there for others.

One of the most valuable lessons my father taught me was the importance of hard work and determination. He instilled in me a strong work ethic and encouraged me to pursue my dreams relentlessly. His unwavering dedication to his family and his daughters was an inspiration to us all. Dad did whatever he had to in order to keep a roof over our heads and food in our bellies. He never thought of me or my sisters as anything but capable. We were capable of shoveling snow for the neighbors. We were capable of mowing yards. We were capable of swinging a hammer or pushing a broom. Dad never made me feel less.

My father also had a great love for nature, and he spent much of his time outdoors. He taught me to appreciate the beauty of the natural world and to take care of the environment. I wasn’t into fishing like he was but I enjoyed our times out in the boat together. I wasn’t really into hunting but I enjoyed the times he took me with him. Anytime alone with Dad was a special time.

Remembering His Impact on Our Lives and Communities

As we continue to reflect on the life and legacy of my father, it is important to remember the impact he had on our lives and on the community. His kindness and generosity touched the lives of many, and his dedication to hard work and perseverance inspired us all. I remember as a child going with my mother to take my father’s lunch while he was in a picketing line. He wanted better conditions for those he worked with.

Dad volunteered his time to coach my friends and me in basketball. When I was young, the YMCA had a program called Indian Princesses, its purpose was to build bonds between fathers and daughters. I was so proud to have my father go to the “pow wows” with me. My father was at all my awards banquets and seldom ever missed a sporting event. If he did miss an event, it was probably to be at one of my sisters’ activities. His selflessness and dedication to being a father are a testament to the kind of person he was and the legacy he leaves behind.

As we remember my father and honor his memory, let us continue to embody the values he instilled in us. Let us strive to make a positive impact on our communities, to be kind and generous to those around us, and to work hard towards our dreams and goals.  My father's legacy lives on through the impact he made on our lives and the lives of so many others.

Lessons Learned from My Father's Legacy

Reflecting on my father's life and legacy on his birthday has led me to learn some important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Here are four lessons I have learned from my father and his impactful legacy:

• Kindness Goes a Long Way – My father's kindness and generosity were felt by many. He never hesitated to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. In his younger years, he worked for a public waterworks company. He was repairing a water line when a woman fell. Her injury was an arterial cut and without a second thought, my father and his coworker took care of her and got her medical emergency help. That is the man that raised me. I have learned that simple acts of kindness can make a huge difference in someone's life.
• Hard Work Pays Off – My father was dedicated to working hard and always strived to provide our family with everything he could. His perseverance and unyielding work ethic are qualities that have inspired me to work hard toward my own goals. I have been successful in every job I have held because I worked hard to achieve that success.
• Being an Active Parent is Important – My father was active with my sisters and me. His passion for helping others has taught me the importance of being active with my children and helping others which resulted in being a good role model and making a positive impact on those around us. Like my father, I didn’t miss anything in my children’s lives. As I watch my daughter with her young kids, I can already see that she is also an active parent.
• Cherish the Moments – My father had a profound appreciation for nature and the outdoors. He taught me to cherish the moments and appreciate the beauty in life. His legacy reminds me to take the time to appreciate the simple things and find joy in every moment. I will never forget taking a bad fall while we were camping. I was in so much pain as he rushed me to the hospital but he remained calm and kept me calm. Again, a private memory between us. Small but cherished.

Honoring His Birthday in a Meaningful Way

Honoring the memory of a loved one on their birthday can be a meaningful way to keep their spirit alive. It allows us to reflect on their life and legacy and pay tribute to the impact they had on our lives. Here are meaningful ways to honor my father on his birthday:

• Share Memories – Sharing memories of my father with family and friends can bring comfort and strengthen the bonds we share. It is a way to keep his memory alive and honor his impact on our lives. I can talk for hours on end about my father.
• Participate in a Favorite Activity – My father loved spending time outdoors, so participating in one of his favorite activities, can be a way to honor his memory and connect with nature in a meaningful way. I spend most of his birthday outdoors.
• Cook a Favorite Food – My father and I had a late-night ritual. He and I would make homemade onion rings and stay up to watch movies. On his birthday I make foods that I know he enjoyed at each meal but most importantly I stay up late watching a movie and making homemade onion rings. It has now an event that my husband shares with me as a way to honor his memory and feel connected to him on his birthday.

Moving Forward with Inspiration and Hope

While it can be difficult to carry on after the loss of a loved one, it is important to find inspiration and hope to move forward. In honor of my father's memory, I strive to live my life with the same passion, kindness, and dedication to my family that he did. Here are some ways to find inspiration and hope:

• Reflect on Their Legacy – Take time to reflect on the legacy of your loved one and the impact they had on your life. Remembering their positive qualities and contributions can help you find inspiration and hope for a brighter future.
• Connect with Others – Connecting with others who have gone through a similar loss or who share your loved one's values can be a source of comfort and inspiration. Joining a support group or volunteering with a community organization can provide a sense of purpose and help you feel connected to something greater than yourself.
• Pursue Your Passions – Pursuing your passions and interests can be a source of inspiration and hope, as well as honoring your loved one's memory. Whether it is taking up a new hobby, learning a new skill, or dedicating time to a creative project, finding ways to express yourself can help you heal and move forward.
• Practice Gratitude – Focusing on the things you are grateful for, even amid grief, can help shift your perspective and provide a sense of hope. Take time each day to reflect on the things in your life that bring you joy and gratitude.
• Embrace Change – Moving forward after a loss can be difficult but embracing change and taking steps towards a new chapter in life can be a source of inspiration and hope. Whether it is starting a new job, moving to a new city, or pursuing a new relationship, embracing change can help you find renewed purpose and meaning.

In conclusion, honoring the memory of a loved one is an important part of the grieving process, and finding inspiration and hope for the future is essential to moving forward. Reflecting on their legacy, connecting with others, pursuing their passions, practicing gratitude, and embracing change can all be sources of inspiration and hope. While it may be difficult to carry on after a loss, it is important to remember that your loved one's memory lives on through you and the positive impact you can make in the world. Taking small steps towards healing and finding inspiration and hope can make a big difference in your journey toward a brighter future.

I love and miss you Dad.