Father's Day – "Good Guys Finnish First"

Dad & President Bush - US Capitol

I have always hesitated to brag on my parents (not because I wasn’t grateful for them) but I know full well that many friends didn’t have the privilege of having parents like mine. Honestly, I wish every kid in the world could have been raised by my parents. If anything “good” comes out of my life it will be heavily due to God’s great grace and the example of my parents. Previously, I have wrote what Mom means to me and I would like to briefly highlight the influence my father has played in my life. To keep this blog short and sweet I would like to say “outside of Jesus” my father has been my hero, mentor and main reason for some of the blessings God has granted me. From leadership to life, sacrifice and success, character and courage my Dad has taught me more by saying nothing than any human being I have met to date.

My father is humble, honorable and humorous. He loves people and has a gift to connect with folks of all walks of life. He has compassion, is competent and is first class. Dad has more charisma than any politician I have worked for. The irony, for my father it wasn’t to get a vote or donation but just the chance to love on people. His first job was building the now renown Watergate Hotel. He served as a MP in the US Army in Vietnam, and worked 28 years with the United States Capitol Police. During his career, with the USCP he protected SEVEN United States Presidents, interacted with dignitaries, dined with celebrities and has friends in some “high places.” He climbed the ranks by hard work and honoring his colleagues. Dad, retired as Acting Assistant Chief of the US Capitol Police protecting Democracy, dignitaries and the Dome of the Capitol Building. Out of 2,000 sworn officers, he retired as number two on the force.

What makes Dad so endearing is that he reached the top without ever bottoming out. He honored his parents, lived for the Lord and considered others more valuable than himself. Today, he is gracious and loved by many. I always said: “It will be a mini- State Funeral when my father passes.” Dad could be with the most powerful person on the planet one minute and go out of his way to make a destitute child from the inner city feel special just by his presence, hand-shake and smile. His humor is second to none and you felt important being in his presence. Dad opened up the door for me to work on Capitol Hill, and for 17 years it was blast to serve the people of America in various Congressional capacities in the “People’s Building.”

In closing, three things really stand out when I ponder my Dad. First, he knew his “success” was because of Jesus. When Dad gave his heart to the Lord, He wanted folks to see Jesus in his life (not so much by what he said) but how he lived. Secondly, he and my mom married the day after Mom’s 18th birthday and on July 5, 2009, they will celebrate their 40th anniversary. Lastly, he told me by his life and lips that he loved me and because I had his backing, I was never afraid to fail. This has granted me great freedom to risk failing en route to moving forward. Again, if anything substantial comes out of my life it will be because of God’s grace and the principles promoted to me by my parents.

Just today, my Dad bought his dream car – 2009 Corvette, 6 speed with 436 horsepower. I don’t reveal this to brag but we praise the Lord for what He has done in our lives. Today, I am so honored to have my father still alive and I still long to make both he and my Heavenly Father proud. If you see a shiny Corvette pass you by on the interstate – take a good look because it could very well be my dad. My prayer for you is that you will remember that “Good guys can and still finnish first.”