I could listen to him tell the same story a million times over and never get tired of it. I’ve never seen a man be able to draw in a crowd so quickly with stories about growing up, cutting up, and life in general.

Gifted Storyteller. My dad can take the most mundane task and fashion it into one of the funniest stories ever told. Others stop what they are doing, and suddenly, the kitchen table becomes the hottest ticket in town, surrounded with curious ears and laughing bellies.

As a writer, if I inherit even a small piece of his humor, whit, and storytelling ability—I will be one lucky girl. Not only do I have the privilege of calling him my friend; I have the privilege of calling him my dad. 

Respected Businessman.  However, storytelling is not the only thing that makes him unique. He is a respected businessman with a generous heart who rarely turns down a little league team selling baseball candy or a local family in need. I’ve watched my dad sacrifice time and sleep in order to provide for his family and others. He has withheld nothing from us as his children, and even as grown-ups, he continues to love us and support our dreams.

Loving father. As a parent myself, one of my favorite joys is watching my father love and care for my own children. I’ve watched him rock preemies, fix toddler juice, buy dozens of donuts after sleepovers, cheer on the side-lines at soccer games, and wipe his own tears at my little girl's dance recital. It’s one of the greatest of life’s pleasures to watch a man change from the inside out.

As the year’s pass by, he only gets better with age. He embodies one of my favorite verses found in 1 Corinthians 13:4, which says, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”

Happy Father’s Day, Dad! I love the person you are and the woman you’ve helped me become.

Copyright © 2011 Jessica Kirkland. All rights reserved.

Jessica Kirkland lives in Southeast Texas with her husband, Robb, and five-year-old triplets—Laci, Seth, and Leyton. Jessica writes on topics concerning faith, family, prayer, and raising young children. Her newest writing adventure includes developing Christian book apps for kids available on iPad and iPhone in September of 2011. You can connect with Jessica at www.jessicakirkland.com.

Photos/JessicaKirkland

Can you describe your dad in just a few words?