A Salute To All Fathers

Before we close the door on another Father’s Day, I wanted to pay tribute to the number one dad in my life: Paul Bridges.

For each of my 46 years on this planet the “Old Man” has been a constant source of support for yours truly, and is someone that without whom I know I would not be where I am today. It’s actually ironic that I used the term “Old Man” in describing him because he can still work circles around his son.

My father has been retired for several years now but he probably works more hours in a week than when he was employed full-time. He not only takes care of his own yard (one of the best looking ones in the county I think) but he helps with landscaping at several others including the upkeep at a local cemetery.

He helps my brother with various things around his house and continues to do so for me despite the fact I live an hour away. During some recent health issues, my father has even made the trek to my house to help cut the grass and handle other chores that I actually enjoy doing but my doctors have told me to ease off on for a little while.

Like many father-son teams, my father passed on an appreciation of sports to me. He coached me in recreation sports and while I never turned out to be anything great in terms of being a standout athlete, the love of sports remained. For years I hammered out a living as a sports writer and still enjoy football talks with my father.

The tradition of dove hunting was also passed on and something that still ranks as one of my best childhood memories.

Fishing was also a hobby that I had a passion for when I was younger and my father was always willing to take me, my brother and a group of friends fishing or camping.

I’d like to think some of my father’s good qualities have stayed with me. I learned the value in helping others without the expectation of any- thing in return. I’ve learned to always appreciate your family and to not take anything or anyone for granted.

There were many salutes to fathers on Facebook and other outlets this past weekend and while no doubt all of these men are worthy of any accolades given, I’ve always been a little biased in believing mine ranked at the very top.

I’m also fortunate at my age that I still have my father. I know many childhood friends have already lost theirs and I can only imagine how that makes Father’s Day very emotional each year.

It should also be noted I have been blessed to have several quality individuals in my life who have led by example in terms of being great fathers. From uncles to other family and even non-family members, the examples these men have provided give me no reason not to be a quality citizen as well.

So I salute each one of them today as well as my own father. The world is a better place because of them.

Monticello native Chris Bridges is a long-time newspaper columnist. He welcomes feedback from readers of The Monticello News at pchrisbridges@gmail.com