This weekend marks my second Father’s Day since my dad’s passing. Last year I strategically planned an avoidance play by signing up for a full day workshop on the Sunday with a good friend who also lost her father and grandfather the same year.
As time passes and I loosen my grip on holding my grief in check, I reflect upon who my father was and the role that he played in my life; I feel such loss but at the same time so blessed for the man he was – for it translates very much into the woman and the leader I am today.
Most little girls love their Daddy’s, even though their mothers are the ones doing all of the primary care and who without, we might not still be in one piece today. It was no different for me. My mother put her career on hold so she could be there for us until I was in university. She did everything while my father did what he knew how to do – work hard and provide for us. He was a workaholic and provided everything he and my mother did not have growing up. Being one of 13 children growing up in a two room house, he left home when he was only 15 years old, only completing his schooling to the eighth grade.
To those who did not know him well he probably appeared like a typical tradesman – a strong independent man. Someone who wasn’t afraid to go against the grain and speak his truth. Who had little patience with incompetence or laziness. Your typical man’s man.
But to us who knew and will always love him, he was the most generous and kind hearted man. He was not a book smart person but smarter than most people I know. He was an animal lover. He felt emotion to his core, even though he “showed up” strong. He was gifted at connecting with people and seeing them -their passions and their dreams and doing whatever he could to help them achieve greatness.
I remember one year arriving in Maui, his favourite place in the entire world. When we pulled up to the resort and got out of the car, two people rushed over and said, “Oh, you must be Floyd’s daughter!” You see, he would get up in the morning and cruise around the property getting to know people – connecting. He befriended everyone from the managers to the groundskeepers.
At his memorial service we were overwhelmed with the number of people that came and how so many people came up to share their personal stories of how he helped them at some point in their life.
In developing great leaders I emphasize that greatness is found in discovering our own authentic strengths and showing up with them rather than emulating other leaders you respect; but when I reflect upon my dad and why he was a great leader I am brought back to my own core values: Love, Family, Connection, Inspired Contribution, Creative Passion and Adventure.
So in this case I am not emulating – I am. My challenge is to continue the legacy of connecting with people, seeing their true greatness and loving to the core. It is my life’s purpose to help others achieve greatness – just like my father did.
Dad – I miss you but know that you are with me on my journey as I step into the next big chapter of my life and try my best to make you very proud!
You brought tears to my eyes too!! Your Dad was an amazing man- kind, generous, and gentle. So easy to see how much he loved you all so much, and you all him. Your wonderful words are exactly as I remember him too! Thinking of you and your Dad, my friend! With lots of love!! xoxo
Thanks Erin! It meant so much to me that you came all the way for his memorial service. I was so glad you were there for me! A gesture I will never forget. Give your dad a big hug for me and tell your mom and dad both I love them! xo
This was truly beautiful Diane and very, very moving. You do a fantastic job of expressing yourself and I’m sure your Mom and Dad are very proud! What a tribute to a Great Dad, a great husband, a great friend and a great man!!!
Thank you Susan. I am so grateful that mom is surrounded by loving and supportive friends like you! xo
Yes we all miss him a lot. We know he will always be with us in spirit. We do not know why he had to go so early but I guess he was needed up in heaven. When Brenda was having her surgery she said she saw Dad and he kept pushing her back. Special thanks to him for doing that for us. He will always be remembered
Yes, wherever he is I am certain he is making friends. Love you mom xo
He was a very generous and kind hearted man, the little that I knew him had great impact on me. I am lucky he made such a great impression on you because I get to have his great qualities in my life carried through you :o)
Thanks Phaedra! I am glad you had the opportunity to know him. xo
I miss your Dad as well! You described him to a T! He had a great sense of humor and I always enjoyed seeing him! He treated me like just another member of the family from day one:-) He had a huge heart and I still hear his laugh from the last time I spent with him:-)
Happy Father’s Day to him and all the wonderful Fathers like him:-))
Love and Hugs to you all from Norway<3
Thanks sweetie! He always loved my friends and would like to hear updates on how they were doing when we would talk. xo
Your Father sounded like a wonderful man and has obviously shaped who you are today. Beautiful post Diane.
Kelly – I know you feel the same way about your dad. Cheers to the men who shaped us! Diane
Diane this was a beautiful tribute to your Dad who deserves to hear every word and I believe he does. He was soooo proud of you kids and his grandchildren were very special to him. We share in the deep love we both felt for our fathers and continue to feel. Thank you for reminding me once again what is important in life. I am so blessed to of met your Mom and then of course your Dad and will always treasure the memories as we continue to make more with your very special Mom. Love Shirley
Thank you Shirley. I am so happy mom is surrounded by such loving people! Diane