Things to ask your dad...Chris


 I came across a guy on Instagram who posted a series of questions, It was things to ask your dad before it's too late. This struck a chord with me, as I have recently lost my dad some questions pop into my head all the time that I want to ask my dad about. These questions are asked as if I were the son asking my dad, however, I am changing it around and making it as if my kids are asking me these questions. I will make each post the answers for each of my kids. I hope this works out the way it does in my head. 

Last but definitely not least is Chris. When we would all go to dinner we would always pick on the last person to get their food. It seemed like a curse, however looking back...the last person to get their food always had hot and fresh food. Not a curse.

1. What is your favorite memory of us?

This has to be the easiest answer for all of the kids. When you were in flight school you took me up on one of your flights. You were so much better than I had expected. Not saying that I thought that you were going to be bad, I just didn't think you were going to be so good. You were so smooth on the controls, you had answers for everything the instructor asked, and smooth on the radio. It was such a fun flight. 

2. What were the first few days of fatherhood like? 

Another easy answer, when you were first born you had breathing problems. You were taken to the children's hospital for a higher level of care for a baby in your condition. Your mom had to stay at the regular hospital, so I got to care for you. I fed you and changed your first diapers, it was an incredible experience for me which I will never forget. 

3. What have you learned about love, and what has it taught you? 

Love is patient, but when it is not meant to be you have to punt and move on. You have to make sure that the one you are with shares your likes and can see/understand your dislikes. You should never have to change yourself, your plans, or your goals to please the one that you are with. It should be easy to be in love with the one you're with. 

4. What was a moment you felt most proud of me?

I have been proud of you for so many different things. With your career, you have achieved so much in what seems such a short time. I mean in six short years you have gone from having your private pilot license to now being a Boeing 787 instructor pilot for United Airlines. I miss the times that I could call my dad and brag about what you have done in the aviation industry. I can tell you that he was always so happy and told me to tell you that he was so proud of you as well. 

5. What do you want or wish most for your kids? 

Happiness, that is what I will say for each of my kids. I want you to be happy with who you are with, to be happy where you live, to be happy at work, and to be happy with what you do in your free time.  

6. What is the nicest thing I have done for you?

I love it when you call me out of the blue. You have picked up my little habit of calling people when you are driving and I appreciate those calls. When we talk and you catch me up with what is going on in your life makes my day. Getting calls from your kids will never get old and will never not put a smile on your face. 

7. What is one thing that you want me to always remember after you are gone? 

Always remember that there is more to life than work and more important things than money. Being happy should be the main goal in your life. I have never wanted to be rich, I have wanted to have just enough to be able to do what I want to do and to be happy with that. Taking time for yourself is also very rewarding, do what you want to do. 

Chris, you are an incredible young man. You have already done some amazing things in your career.  You have moved 1/2 way across the country by yourself, you have bought an amazing house and you are moving in a great direction financially. I could not be more proud of you. I love you.

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