Father's Day 2009

Pillar Of Strength

As Father's Day is now upon us, let us realize that a Father is a Father every day of the year, not just in the month of June. There are many, many descriptive words that have been used over the years to describe a Father. The words that I will address are Calm and Strength. Now, any knowing the dynamic of my family will most likely laugh, while waiting for a punchline. The reason? My sister Andrea and me both work in the fitness industry in one manner or another. Though the strength as well as the calm, have nothing to do with physical prowess is not what I am referring to, this strength and calm have gone further than any act of weightlifting.

Whether it was a spelling quiz I was not prepared for, a dead car battery at 2 am, or a plan of attack when emotional, physical, financial, or spiritual stress seemed insurmountable, my Father has been the "Pillar of Strength." My bench press or dead lift could not solve these problems or provide direction, my Father did. Sometimes the despair seemed physically debilitating, though the strength of my Father provided the guidance necessary to address and overcome.

Not only has my favor provided guidance through being by my side through the best and the worst, his work ethic has been engrained in my psyche, not through simply words though through his actions. Best summarized, as my Father has taught me through word AND example, would be in the words of Seneca: Roman dramatist, philosopher and politician: "Difficulties strengthen the mind, as labor does the body. " Most mortal men preach and teach one of the two, my Father, Joe Ferry Sr., has patiently taught me both. I am a better Man, Father, Son and Individual for this.

In addition, because of this, I can say without shame or reservation, I Love You Dad. Happy Father's Day.............