I consider myself one of the luckiest humans on the planet. Growing up on a farm with both of my parents actively involved in my life was special. I also had aunts, uncles, and grandparents as part of my daily life. And yes, some of them have now died and I don’t get to see any of them very often any more. But they shaped me and so their influence lives on.

Dads often are viewed by society as playing a low key role in children’s lives. And yet, my Dad’s influence is felt everyday in my life. He taught me to work hard and smart. He taught me to love reading, learning, and connecting the puzzle pieces of thought. Dad was often the quiet soul, but also the stubborn tinkerer. He could repair anything. And while I went on to study theology, philosophy and travel the world, it is my Dad who brought biology, engineering and taught me to bring the ‘hard’ science together with the ‘social’ science.

I am a lucky man. I was chosen by a good man to be his son.

Happy Father’s Day Dad.

Photo by Parizan Studio