Being the Father of a Writer is Not Always Easy.

In light of Father's Day here in the USA I'd like to take a moment and observe the struggle and hard work that my dad put forth everyday to make sure his children were fed and loved. My dad always put us first and our mom was right there beside him. Even though most of the time I had my head stuck way up there in the clouds, they saw what was right in front of me.

Sure at times it's hard for parents to see the big payout of being a writer. There are still moments where there is doubt or worry in my father's voice. But deep down I know my father worries because he cares what happens to me as an individual.

He may not remember this but it has stuck with me since the day I graduated college. One day my dad told me during one of my famous panic attacks, "Listen if you want to be a writer then write. You can't keep bouncing back and forth. I know I worry about money and all the others things you don't have. That's cause I want the best for you. I look at your writing though and it makes me wonder why this isn't published yet? Why isn't this work I'm seeing here in front of me not in some book. What I'm trying to say is that I do believe in you and that you need to believe in yourself. No one can make you do that but you. If you really need this in life, and I mean need it, then you have to work for what you feel that deep need for. That need for you is to be a writer. So write".

I'd be lying if I didn't say my father was a big part of my life. He clearly is. Even as a kid I remember him and mother telling us "to do what you love" or "You can do anything if you believe". Because of their unyielding support I practice my craft and write everyday.

To my dad, I love you and I hope you have a happy Father's Day.