Doses of Dad

As Father’s
Day approaches, I feel a wellspring of gratitude for my Dad who encourages me
to excel and who mandated higher education in our home. When I couldn’t decide
on a major, Dad advised me to pursue Finance, a practical and flexible option. He pushes me to expect more of myself, never
treating me like a fragile flower, but always ready with a hug when I need one.
When Mom divorced him, he paid my college expenses to complete my education even though he had
no legal obligation to do so. As a result, I earned a BBA in Finance,
graduating Cum Laude from one of the top business schools in the country.

 In business and social settings, confidence
coats my approach, intimidation not an issue, as I know if I can deal with Dad’s
high standards, I can deal with anything. Dad always enjoys playing professor, always teaching and relishing the
moments of epiphany that light up a face. “Always remember- you can learn
something from everyone” he coaches regularly and “If you’re not learning and
growing, you’re dying.”

 He loves his
kids dearly and uses his brilliance to optimize their lives. Quintessentially
the hard worker—and the humble man—Dad keeps a low profile, never rests on
his laurels and never flaunts his success. Most important of all, Dad wouldn’t compromise
his kids’ ability to create happy and satisfying lives by writing a check to
solve their every problem. My Dad—a
self-made man who wants his children to experience the sweetness of a challenging
life well chosen, carefully crafted and abundantly achieved.

Sometimes my rock
in a tempest, sometimes a sheltering mighty oak on a sweltering hot day,
sometimes a lecturer with global perspective, doses of Dad represent some of the
very best moments life has to offer me.