My Dad's Blog

Anyone who tells you they have parenting figured out is a liar. I do believe parenting is like athletic ability, you either have it or you don't. That being said, what you do with it determines if you are good at being a parent. I became a father on August 3O, 2003. I was scared, dumb, and sure I would fail. Now, I am dad to 3 and I still feel scared and dumb, but I don't believe I will fail. The reason for my confidence is the man who raised me.

My dad is a funny, goofy, wise, interesting dude who tells bad jokes, rides a Harley, and keeps a low golf handicap. He teats my mom like a Queen, my wife like a Princess, and keeps his grandchildren thoroughly spoiled.

Foe 35 years I ignorantly did not appreciate my father. I thought I had my life figured out and whatever gains I made as a parent were on my own merit. Then, starting in late 2005, my life began to bottom out and my parents, especially my dad's, importance began crystal clear.

My dad taught me a lot. He taught me how to look people in the eye when I talk to them, how to throw a curveball, how to respect women, how to drive a stick, how to treasure your family, how to cheer for Mickey Mantle, Joe Namath, and my namesake Lance Alworth. My dad gave me a role model, someone to look up too, so that maybe my kids will have someone to admire when they stop being stupid.

I am turning into my father. I'm proud of this. The words that scold,lecture, comfort, bother, and love my kids come from him. Even the inflexion I use when delivering them are like my father. I am blessed. In a world where fathers are reduced in level if need because if their failures or because modern medicine can make that happen; I have the finest parenting model one man can imagine. I owe him more than a card.

Happy Father's Day, Bud. I love you.