The Power of Dad

This is a partnered post with Oral-B. All thoughts, opinions and experiences are my own.

I’ll be honest and admit that I was not an easy child growing up (although I hear I was a great baby)! I guess you could call me a rebel of sorts.  I did things my way, or at least I tried to.  I didn’t do good with authority.  Authority got in the way of me doing what I wanted.  I was a teenager. I knew what was best for me.  {insert eye roll here}

Looking back, I see how difficult of a child I was.  I didn’t like rules and I just wanted to live life.  To do the things all the other children my age were doing.  But my parents were strict and very protective over me so I rarely got to do what everyone else was doing.

I hated it.

I hated feeling secluded.

I hated feeling like I was an outsider looking in.

I hated feeling like I was missing out.

Why couldn’t they just let me have fun and be a child. 

Why did they keep me within arms reach at all times.

They tried for as long as they could and then they let me spiral out of control which eventually led me to an unsuccessful marriage and the worst two years of my life.

My dad has always been an instrumental part of my life. He worked hard to provide for his family. We always had a shelter over our head, clothes on our back and food in our belly.  He was the ultimate example of hard work and dedication.  He instilled in me to always do the best I can, no matter how big or small the task.  To always push myself to be the best me I can be.  To follow my dreams, no matter how late in life it may be.  My dad started his own business at the age of 50 and is doing exceptionally well just three years later.  He has inspired me to live my dream and that hard work and dedication are key to success.

I didn’t realize until I had children of my own that parenting is hard work.  There is no instruction book. There is no easy button.  I was learning to be a good parent, long before I had children of my own, thanks to the love and patience of my own parents.

My dad is the ultimate example of a good father.  He loved me even when I was unlovable, he forgave me even when I did the unforgivable, and he disciplined me to be who am I today.  I will be forever grateful to my dad who never faltered, who always stood firm, and always directed me down the right path.  I wouldn’t be who I am today without him.

Thank you, Dad!

This year Oral-B is celebrating and honoring dads for all the fun moments and smiles they’ve brought to the lives of their families. Although we should celebrate and honor our dads year round, Father’s Day is a great day to honor him by sharing with him all the ways he’s made you smile.

As I was watching the video, tears started welling up in my eyes. Just simple moments that have such a powerful impact on our lives. I can’t help but remember some of those same experiences with my dad and those same experiences are being made by my husband for our children. There is no denying just how much the power of dad can impact our lives.

So why don’t you join me this Father’s Day in sharing your special memories with your father on Twitter using the #powerofdad hashtag. Feel free to also like Oral-B on Facebook to stay up-to-date on all promotions.

How are you honoring your dad this Father’s Day?