One of my favorite moments with my dad was when I was in seventh grade and had just joined the basketball team to keep in shape for volleyball and softball. I was having a hard time because I wasn't getting a lot of playing time and I wanted to quit the team. I remember our conversation so vividly, my dad knew I was upset and came into my room before school to wake me up. He sat on my bed and said "Katie bug, I know you're having a hard time but you can't quit because you have the Kerr determination in you." My dad went on to tell me how important it was for me to not give up and how it wasn't in our blood. He told me how everyone in our family has had hard times but they've worked hard and gotten through them. His talk helped me learn one of the most important lessons in life. Nothing good comes easy and you have to work hard to get what you want. Whenever I face a tough challenge today I remember that I'm Kate Kerr and I have the "Kerr determination" to work until I get what I want.
So thanks Dad, for raising me to be the woman I am today. I love you!
Kate
It's not often that I'm short on words, but when it comes to writing about my dad, I have a hard time putting my feelings into letter form. How do I describe my relationship with the man I think is the best in the whole world? Then, when I was shopping for a Father's Day card, I found a card that described my emotions perfectly: Somewhere between kid and adult, I realized you weren't just my dad ... you were also one of the greatest guys I would ever know. When I read it, my eyes teared up thinking of my dad, the impact he's had on my life and how incredibly lucky I am to have him.
My dad's been there every step of the way. From comforting me when I was a baby and timing how fast I could down a can of baby food (I was a little bit of a heifer), to coaching me in sports and in life, he's helped shape my foundation while giving me room to mold my own.
When I was little, I thought my dad owned the key to the world. He can fix anything and everything that needs mending - an appliance, a broken toy or my heart - he's easygoing and makes friends easily, he's steadfast in his beliefs, he's a good businessman and he loves his children and my mom with all his heart. As I've grown older, I've realized that what I once thought as a little girl is absolutely true - my dad owns the key to life. He's my hero and he proves it time and time again in his actions and words.
Thank you, dad, for making me who I am today while giving me room to make my life my own. You've impacted me beyond words and as I write this, I have tears streaming down my face because I can't talk about you without feeling incredibly grateful and blessed to get love, friendship and advice from the best man in the whole world.
I love you.
xoxo,
Your Lisa Marie
P.S. I should explain our picture. My dad and I went to a Cubs' game last weekend with my beau and his dad. We went out afterward and while we were talking about our boys' win, the man behind us drew us in caricature form. This captures my dad in one of his best states: he's watching his Cubbies, enjoying conversation and loving life. Here's to you, dad, thank you for all you do.
Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there!
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