Show about real life, right, wrong, not politics

Head home for holidays

Often realize life not worth much without ability to share it with others

I try to be transparent – you get to know me, what I feel, what going on

Important to communicate about stuff like this

This is slice of my real life

Went to mass on Monday – 5 year anniversary of Dad's death

Mini-revival type thing – message on hope

Sat there and gazed at crucifix, took in colors around me, statues of saints, priest blessing elements of communion – for a minute caught a glimpse of eternity – lifted past this world for just a second

Considered dad in presence of God now

But also realized what a blessing he had been to me

Not sure that I realized it too often when he was alive – sad

because my dad was unusual

Quiet, reliable, dependable – consistent

day in and day out – nothing fancy, not stylish or flashy – few words

Did not coach my ball teams, did not throw parties or give big gifts – bought my own car, paid for own gas

He was there – day in and day out – as pastor come to realize what a gift that was

Knew he would leave every day at 7:00 to be at work at 7:30 – and would come home at 5:30 – every day – never traveled – never gone

Stability and security

Frankly, that is underrated in our world – hectic, chaotic, unpredictable lives, kids dashing about from event to event, dads trying to outdo each other, always on the go and talking on the cell phone

Gave me a safe life to explore and grow – not have to worry who would be around, whether we would eat, what kind of home life I would have that day

He was just there – dependable, kind, gentle, and quiet

Took that for granted for much of my life

Showed me that lot of things more important than what you had

Who you are

But as sat in church – just overwhelmed by eternity, by grace, by it all

How fortunate I have been

Were there hard times or challenging times? Sure

But my father shaped me in ways I am just now figuring out – and I am grateful for

Gave me a great legacy

Dad – 5 years later, still miss him, and more grateful for him than ever