One of my favorite things to do is sit down with my dad over a cup of coffee.

 

Sometimes I bring him a problem. Sometimes it's a life decision.

 

Sometimes it's something I already know the answer to, but don't necessarily want to admit.

 

 

No matter what it is, he always gives me his honest opinion.

 

Sometimes I like the answer.

 

Sometimes I don't.

 

But over the years, I've learned that wisdom isn't telling people what they want to hear. It's telling them what they need to hear. My dad has always been willing to do that, even when it stings a little.

 

As I've gotten older, I've also come to appreciate how interesting his journey has been.

 

My dad's career path wasn't a straight line.

 

He started in retail, spent time pursuing a career in law enforcement, eventually owned his own shoe company, and later built a career representing footwear brands throughout the Northwest.

 

Looking back, that's one of the things I admire most about him. He wasn't afraid to take chances on himself. Whether it was changing careers, starting a business, or pursuing a new opportunity, he was willing to step outside his comfort zone and put in the work.

 

While the jobs changed, the person never really did.

 

He worked hard.

 

He treated people well.

 

He built relationships.

 

And he always made time for his family.

 

On top of everything else, he coached my sister and me through different seasons of life and sports. No matter what was going on with work, he made every effort to be there.

 

Looking back, I don't take that for granted. A lot of parents say family comes first. My dad lived it. As a kid, I didn't think much about any of that. I just knew Dad was there. Some of my favorite memories happened in the backyard. I'd stand on the mound with a baseball in my hand while my dad caught behind the plate. I'd throw pitch after pitch, convinced I was destined for the major leagues.

 

At the time, it felt completely ordinary.

 

Looking back, I realize how valuable those moments were.

 

The older I get, the more I realize that a good father isn't remembered because of one big accomplishment. He's remembered because of thousands of small moments. The rides. The conversations.

 

The advice.

 

The sacrifices nobody sees.

 

The consistency.

 

In a lot of ways, my dad reminds me of Saint Joseph. Not because he sought attention or recognition, but because he quietly did what was asked of him. He worked hard, cared for his family, and showed up day after day without needing credit for it.

 

The older I get, the more I appreciate how rare that is.

 

My dad has always been someone people enjoy being around. He can strike up a conversation with just about anyone and somehow walk away knowing their story. He remembers details. He asks questions. He genuinely cares.

 

I think that's one of the reasons so many people respect him.

 

And it's one of the reasons I've always looked up to him.

 

At 23 years old, I still call my dad when I need advice. I still value his perspective.

 

And I still find myself learning from him every time we sit down over a cup of coffee.

 

Not because he has all the answers. But because he's lived a life worth learning from.

 

Happy Father's Day, Dad.

 

Thank you for the baseballs caught in the backyard, the wisdom shared over coffee, the countless games coached, the example you've set, and the many ways you've shown up for our family over the years.I love you.