Happy Dad's Day

One of my creations for my Dad

My Dad has always been "Dad."  Never "Father." 
He and Mother both taught me to love nature.
Dad taught me how to be quiet in the woods and how to "see things" in nature.
I am usually the first to spot a critter.
He taught me how to cast a fishing line in such a manner
 that amazed my son when he was young.
(I can also bait a hook and take a fish off a line, but don't often employ such skills.)
He felt it was important to learn to play chess.  I learned to play chess, but I don't think my moves through and usually lose quickly.  But, I know how to play chess.
He kicked my ass on a daily basis when I was younger and eventually kicked me out for arguing with him when I was nineteen. 
We had a few years of barely speaking to one another. 
Later in life, things were very tough for me, through the "lean years" of divorce, but I was strong because my Dad had made me tough.  
We no longer argue.
  I may disagree with him but I firmly say
 "I am not going to argue with you about this- but..." 
He now takes good care of my mother (which earlier in life I couldn't have imagined).
He is a diet-controlled diabetic and takes good care of himself.
He is helping my brother to get his life back on track.
We now have good talks.  Earlier in my life, I never thought that would happen. 
He quit smoking.
I don't think he drinks any longer.
He listens (most of the time).
He has softened.
He is my Dad.