HAPPY FATHER'S DAY - FROM DEAN'S TEAM!
A FEW REFLECTIONS ON DAD, FROM DEAN.
I used to argue with my father a lot.
When I was a boy, I got mad when he couldn't play catch with me, all the time. I couldn't figure out, at the time, he was concerned about his parents, my grandparents, who were often ill.
There was a time he wouldn't buy me the racing car set I wanted, saying he didn't have the money. "Write a check," I told him. At the time, at the age of nine, I didn't realize you needed to have money in the account in order to write a check.
When I was 16, and wanted to borrow the car, he sometimes wouldn't let me have the keys until I completed some chores around the house. Sometimes I refused, and was "grounded" - do they still use that term today? I'm not really sure!
I got into the real estate business, and became pretty good at it. But I worked hard, day and night, making sure the details of transactions were completed properly. I made sure my clients were satisfied. One night, in early May, 1996, I called my mom and dad on the phone, from my real estate office. It was late, about 9:30PM. Since I was such a busy guy during those days, I only called my parents once a week or so, and visited them only on Sundays, despite the fact they lived less than 10 miles away from me.
My mom answered the phone, and I heard my dad in the background. I spoke with my mom for a couple of minutes, and then asked mom to pass the phone on to my dad. "Tell him I'm tired," he said. "I'll talk with him tomorrow."
Those were the last words I heard from my dad.
At 2:03AM, the morning of May 3, 1996, I got a frantic call from mom. She called the ambulance. My dad had collapsed after going to the bathroom. I remember I had an early version of a Caller ID system, brand new at that time - I wouldn't delete that call, and didn't lose the Caller ID information until the batteries went dead in the unit about a year later.
Although life has to go on - as my father taught me - I will always cherish the impact my father had on my life. He gave my brother Randy and I a very good childhood, despite the fact we never had much money. He got me through college, when I almost gave up. Supported me through several early-career changes, and was proud of what I accomplished. I miss him very much!
I'm hoping this morning finds your dad still with you! Enjoy the day with him, and cherish every moment. Unfortunately, it's not forever, but will always be, forever in your heart!
Happy Father's Day!
DEAN - DEAN'S TEAM
