Talking to my dad

It started out as an idea to give my dad a call last night----maybe chat for five minutes, to ask him how he's doing and updates on other family members. I love unexpected conversations where you go from a five minute conversation to an hour and a half discussion that takes on a life of its own. I was feeling pretty crappy and depressed before I talked to my dad and found myself in a much better mood when I got off the phone to go to bed after hanging up with him. I didn't even talk about myself and what's been going on with me lately. Yet, somehow he helped me to feel better without even knowing it.

Maybe it's because I'm learning more and more about my dad that I never had the opportunity to know about him before....especially his thoughts on things. It's funny because when I was younger and we didn't get along or have much of a meaningful relationship with each other, I tended to think we weren't anything alike. I always thought I was very much like my mom. I still think I'm more similiar to my mom than my dad, but....how I see things differently now!

Granted, my dad and I are opposite in some ways...specifically when it comes to politics. He leans more towards the conservative side, while I'm more on the moderate to liberal side. In the past, I avoided political discussions with him because I figured we'd clash on various issues. But last night I was surprised to find myself having some ideas in common with him and welcomed discussing the interesting topics he brought up: illegal immigration, the latest Iowa caucus findings, the 2008 presidential candidates, and our thoughts on the pointless electoral college.

We also seem to have the same mutual belief in a strong work ethic. If you really want something, you will find a way to reach your attainable goal...regardless of how hard or how much you must work to get there (ie, work jobs that don't pay much, work more than one job, sacrifice some aspects of your life for others at times,etc). I don't know where he heard it (I think he told me one of the cops he works with said this once, maybe?), but he mentioned that in order for someone to want to literally CHANGE, the 'pain' (or agony) of their current situation/rut must exceed the comfort level of familiarity or something like that in order to propel oneself with moving forward and making a change within oneself. I totally agree with that.

I was thinking this morning how lucky I am to have such intelligent and wise parents that have helped pass on these same kind of helpful values/worldview onto me, especially during difficult times in my life when it can be hard to see the proverbial 'light at the end of the tunnel.' I'm also lucky to have such conversations with both of my parents. Small talk is fine and to be expected, but I also cherish the 'big' talk with them.

Love you Dad.