My Father, Edward Thompson
My father, Edward Thompson was and is by far the greatest influence on my life. Although he left my life at an early age, he's made more of an impact than people I've known all the while. He taught me to see the best in people, make the most of life's moments, and live unapologetically. He was a friend to all who knew him, and remains my role model of everything I ought to be. So in honor of my dad, I wanted to write a note to him this year and post it where it matters to me. You can read the note below as follows, and see a gallery of some of my favorite pictures beneath.
Dear Dad,
Happy Birthday. Today marks 48 years since you've been born, and nine years since you've been spending your birthdays in greener pastures. My only hope for you is that the brisket in heaven is as good as what you made back home, minus the four hour wait time, intermittent, "check that out" breaks, and horseflies that loved your unsuspecting children. I know that's a bit of a reach, but I doubt it can really be that bad. Back here in the south, I can confirm that the barbecue is just as good as you left it, and your family is happy.
It's been a hell of a year and I know it would have been a lot more fun with you trapped inside with us, but we're getting through it. Luke is halfway through a bachelor's in psychology, Mom is a few months away from building your dream house in the woods, and I'm two weeks away from graduating high school. This will be your last birthday before I'm an adult, your last birthday we all live in the same house, and the last year I park your car in the neighborhood, and it's weird. If you'd asked me when I was eight what my future would look like in high school and beyond, I know you would have been in my plans. At every cookout, Sunday drive, and motorcycle ride I always wish you were with me, and as I get older I see that you are.
Although I don't love that taking my dad out for lunch means a dusty sandwich and moral regret, you are always on my mind. You're in every conversation about what my family is like, in every prayer I say, and in every decision I make as an unfiltered voice in my head. I have no doubt you've earned a spot in my future manifesto, and I think it's fair to say that any job I lose as a result of something stupid I say is caused by your outlandishly unrealistic example, but hey, some jobs aren't meant to be.
As things stand in my life right now though, I'm happy. I have a career that I enjoy, which was made possible by the family and mindset that you left me, a school that allows me to leave it in just a few weeks, and a future that I look forward to being a part of, and I know you'll be a part of mine too. I remember you every day of my life, and I will until the day I see you again. In the life lessons I didn't quite understand yet, the jokes I was way too young for that I'm just now getting, and the examples you set of what a devoted father, son, and husband should be. Witnessing all three, I see exactly how lucky I am to have a father like you.
Although my time with you wasn't as long and adventurous as I what I had been dreaming of, there was no shortage of love, attention, and excitement in my relationship with you. Everyday you came home from work, and each weekend you forced me to go hiking with Luke and mom, we spent time together and I will always enjoy the memories. Thank you for the father you were to me, the example you are to me, and the recurring character in a web of some pretty damn interesting stories. You were the father I always wanted and are the father I was lucky enough to receive. I love you and I look forward to when I see you again.
Sincerely the Favorite,
David Thompson ; )
It's been a hell of a year and I know it would have been a lot more fun with you trapped inside with us, but we're getting through it. Luke is halfway through a bachelor's in psychology, Mom is a few months away from building your dream house in the woods, and I'm two weeks away from graduating high school. This will be your last birthday before I'm an adult, your last birthday we all live in the same house, and the last year I park your car in the neighborhood, and it's weird. If you'd asked me when I was eight what my future would look like in high school and beyond, I know you would have been in my plans. At every cookout, Sunday drive, and motorcycle ride I always wish you were with me, and as I get older I see that you are.
Although I don't love that taking my dad out for lunch means a dusty sandwich and moral regret, you are always on my mind. You're in every conversation about what my family is like, in every prayer I say, and in every decision I make as an unfiltered voice in my head. I have no doubt you've earned a spot in my future manifesto, and I think it's fair to say that any job I lose as a result of something stupid I say is caused by your outlandishly unrealistic example, but hey, some jobs aren't meant to be.
As things stand in my life right now though, I'm happy. I have a career that I enjoy, which was made possible by the family and mindset that you left me, a school that allows me to leave it in just a few weeks, and a future that I look forward to being a part of, and I know you'll be a part of mine too. I remember you every day of my life, and I will until the day I see you again. In the life lessons I didn't quite understand yet, the jokes I was way too young for that I'm just now getting, and the examples you set of what a devoted father, son, and husband should be. Witnessing all three, I see exactly how lucky I am to have a father like you.
Although my time with you wasn't as long and adventurous as I what I had been dreaming of, there was no shortage of love, attention, and excitement in my relationship with you. Everyday you came home from work, and each weekend you forced me to go hiking with Luke and mom, we spent time together and I will always enjoy the memories. Thank you for the father you were to me, the example you are to me, and the recurring character in a web of some pretty damn interesting stories. You were the father I always wanted and are the father I was lucky enough to receive. I love you and I look forward to when I see you again.
Sincerely the Favorite,
David Thompson ; )