He's a Changed Man

Growing up I didn't get to spend a lot of time with my Dad. I was an only child and both my parents worked constantly to make ends meet. My father is a quiet man unless he gets to his breaking point. Then all hell lets loose. But I think I could count on one hand the times that has happened in my 38 years. So quiet he was when he was home. Usually tired from work he would sit in his chair and watch TV eventually falling asleep. I remember watching Greatest American Hero, Hulk and the Muppet show in the evenings with him. I spent more time with my Mom growing up, though it wasn't as much time as I spend with my kids due to the fact that she worked also. But she tried to be there when she could. My Dad, well he was there too, but not really checked into the family gig. Don't get me wrong my parents took great care of me and provided me with everything I would need and or wanted. Only child syndrome of being spoiled. But the family unit was never really there. I think I missed out on a lot compared to how I raise my children, but it made me who I am and I don't think I'm all that bad!

My whole point is that my father has changed. His life changed and slowly he changed. He got remarried had twin girls and was at a point in his life that he could spend more time with the kids and his family. I was 18 then and off to college. I missed that whole part yet again. I then moved to Colorado and missed out for another 2 years. I came back and life went on. He's was changing into a father I wished I had grown up with. Fast forward about 20 years and here we are today. My sisters are in college and my father is retired. I waited about 36 years for my time and now it's here.

My father watched me do what he thought at the time was nutty and possibly impossible for me to do. I ran my first marathon in 2005. My father ran a marathon with me 3 years later. We did our first sprint triathlon together. I spend all sorts of time with my father, swimming, biking and running. We analyze, compare, train and compete with each other. We support and give advice to each other. We get injured and watch the other take on the race with pride in our faces. Without trying we have found our way to a great father daughter relationship. It's one of the best things about doing all this training. I know that my Dad will be right there with me.

Thanks Dad.