On the top of one of the cabinets in our kitchen there is a mug with the words, "World's Greatest Dad" on it. Now, one would think that this would have been an award given to me a long time ago but, truth be told, it was only given to me recently on my 52nd birthday. The accolade was given to me by my oldest daughter. When she gave it to me she said, "You know, Dad, I was thinking...I don't think we (meaning her and her siblings) ever gave you anything that ever said, 'World's Greatest Dad', so here you go."
I guess I had never thought about it before. Surely, somewhere along the line, one of my children had given me something with that appellation but I guess not. I mean, I gave up promising careers in show business and professional sports and rock music to be around for my children. Nothing. This was the first time. After 30 years of making, having, and raising children, I finally get the award.
So I started thinking about why now and not earlier in my career of being a dad. Maybe it was because my body of work didn't merit the award earlier. That couldn't be the reason. Perhaps it was because the competition was too great and I became the perennial "Susan Lucci" of the World's Greatest Dad award. That couldn't be, I mean, I was the only dad that my children had. All it would have taken was a 3 out of 4 vote to crown me. Does that mean that they did vote but I never could win a majority of the vote?
After much internal reflection it finally dawned on me as to why I was finally being honored. After all these years of being a dad I was being given the Lifetime Achievement Award for being The World's Greatest Dad. Yes, that it's it. And I don't even have an acceptance speech ready. Actually, most of the credit for raising four wonderful children goes to Mrs. Planet Kirby anyway. She was the secret to my success. My dad was a great role model which helped me along the way, however, my children should receive a lot of the credit. God blessed us with four of the greatest kids a dad could ever have. They made it easy.
Looking back, I know that I didn't need any special award to tell me that I was the World's Greatest Dad. With every hug, kiss, and "I love you" I received from my children over the years, I already knew that I was. But it's nice to look up there on the cabinet and see a reminder of what this life is all about.
Be Well.
Bill
