Though it may be true that there is nothing quite as special as the love of a mother, I must say that fathers are pretty important too! Having had the honor of being a father to Patrick since 1983 and to Mac since 1987, though, I admittedly am biased. Now, with Helena having arrived last year, I’m blessed with the wonderful experience of being a grandfather as well—an adoring one at that. But nothing in this world has brought me more joy than raising my two boys and watching as they’ve grown personally and professionally into the incredible men they are today. I am so proud of both of them, and I deeply cherish the close relationship that we share.
During a recent stay at Kingston Plantation, Beverly and I took a Saturday afternoon stroll on the beach. As we walked, I thought about my dad and the many trips we made to the coast during my childhood. I recalled him taking long walks while I played in the sand with my sister, and for a moment, it felt as though I was retracing his steps as I continued down my own path along the shores of the Grand Strand.
Although my dad only had an eighth-grade education, he was smarter than I’ll ever be. To this very day, I get choked up when I think about the tremendous impact Dad had on my life. He taught me life’s most important lessons, like how to be the head of a family and a provider to many, just as he was. And while there have been many times over the years when I wished I’d taken better notes, I’m confident that I retained my dad’s wisdom where it mattered most. After all, just as sure as I made my fair share of mistakes as a parent, it only takes one look at Patrick and Mac to know I did plenty right!
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