Lessons my dad taught me.

Some say there is no perfect dad.
But they don't know the one I've had.
For more than fifty years this man
has modeled life for me.

Since I first joined the human race,
my father showed tough love and grace.
He knew I needed discipline
so coached me how to run.

But more than law and leniency,
my loving dad gave time to me.
Although he had a stressful job,
he sought me out at home.

When I was just a little tyke
he taught me how to ride a bike.
He made the time to throw the ball
and took great pride in me.

He kissed my cheek and hugged my neck
and very often wrote a check.
He helped me see that love can be
expressed in varied ways.

With that in mind my dad taught me
to treat my wife like royalty.
And so I learned to love my wife
the way he loves my mom.

He also showed me men can weep
and pray with kids before they sleep.
The cues he gave me as a kid
have helped me raise my girls.

My dad remains a proud Marine.
And while he's not as strong or lean
as when he fought back in the war,
he's taught me freedom's price.

And though my dad is growing old,
he still is prone to be quite bold.
He's quick to chide me when he thinks
I'm holding out on God.

He warns me not to work too much.
He offers tips on stocks and such.
He never fails to stop and pray
when he knows I'm confused.

But I don't mind. I trust his heart.
This one who's coached me from the start
will train me 'til the day he dies.
That's just what coaches do.