Thank you dad...

Having children has made me reflective about my own childhood

My relationship with my parents, and the values they instilled in me

So for father's day, I thought I would share my thank you to my Dad.....

Dad, at different points in my life I hear your voice, and you say

~ as long as you try your hardest

~ take the opportunities that come your way

Such great values to have shared.

The message about trying your hardest was a supportive safety net while growing up... 

I knew you would be proud if I tried my hardest, no matter the result.

And as for taking the opportunities that come your way ~ I live this, and I thank you for it. 

Knowing that it is okay to try and not always succeed, 

but that I will also learn from the experience itself has given me courage.

Then there are the values that you taught me to live, through the value you put on them

~ belief in the equality of opportunity

~ that education is a great equaliser

~ that education opens doors

I live these values too.

Growing up I don't remember a time when I didn't feel that going to university was part of my path,

and except for that necessary rebellious blip in Year 9 

{which I have incredibly fond memories of}

I worked towards this.

During those university days, you regularly told me

 that I would look back at my university days as being the best days of my life. 

And although I didn't believe you then, and I actually think the days with my children are the best, 

I certainly realise you wanted me to appreciate the moment ~ and I did.

So thank you Dad. You've taught me well.

Love, Kelly