Team Spangler for Team Fox "This Is For You Dad": 2012-06-17

Happy Fathers Day (Belated)

Running Update:

Friday- sadly I slacked this day; I had traveled to Hocking Hills to meet up with some of my friends from OH and didn’t get a run in.

Saturday- I ran a little bit in the morning and then we spent the day canoeing so hopefully that accounts for something J

Sunday- We spent the day visiting dad and the family so I didn’t get home till after dark, which means I have a lot of catching up to do with some miles this week! One of my next longer runs I hope to do soon is from my “hometown” house to my grandma Nelson’s. She always hated when I did that in high school because she said it made her worry….so I’ll just not tell her and surprise her one day with arriving all sweaty for a visit J

Monday- I changed my evening run around a little bit, I was still on the road but made a few different loops etc. I ran for about 45 minutes and the rain didn’t release any of the humid in the air, which caused for a rather hot evening.

I have to admit, I’ve started this blog post a couple times and been at a point where I’m not sure where to go with it. Being as it’s a day to focus on our fathers….as you’ve read I focus on my dad a lot. We visited dad and dropped off some Amish Country Cheese that brought a smile to his face which made the day for me. (Brock proudly displayed his pictures that showed his catch of frogs from the opening weekend of Frog Gigging knowing well that dad would appreciate it)… Dad was having a bit of a rough day and seemed extremely tired and struggled at being able to respond much. However a smile and his eyes lighting up makes it a little better. We had a cookout at my grandparent’s (Nelson) so being surrounded by a family, laugher, sunshine and food of course made for a great day.

I’m blessed to be able to call my inspiration in life, my favorite coach, and my best friend…”dad”. Over the years we’ve had ups and downs in regards to learning experiences and perspectives on “life”. I’d folded up my basketball uniform a few times in high school and set it on his bed saying I quit to prove a point J I’ve even pretended to be asleep on a few occasions to avoid talks about what I needed to practice on, or should have done differently upon follow up game nights. (He may not actually know that, but I’ve admitted to mom) J There have even been some life moments where I know he may not have agreed with me on what I chose to do, but he knew enough to let me figure it out on my own, and for that I’m the stronger person I am today for it.

Dad receiving award at LKC Night of Champions

People always laughed about me never being but a few steps away from dad growing up. There were always jokes about dad’s big blue truck he use to drive, and he’d be behind the driving wheel and I’d be standing up in the middle seat right next to him. (Apparently that displays my age as seat belts weren’t required at that time nor the exposure of importance yet) My number was always #7 from T-ball to Little League because that was dad’s football number.

I always knew if dad didn’t fully agree with something because he’d ask “are you sure” at least 5 times. If anyone knows me, I’m never SURE…..I’d rather make business decisions all day and leave the easy everyday decisions to someone else :) I’m certain I’ve rolled my eyes several times in my lifetime of speeches J I’m certain I didn’t always agree at that point and time whatever dad was trying to teach me if it really was going to teach me anything….but even if I don’t remember exactly what it was that particular taught me, I’m certain when I look back at specifics it lead me to understanding somehow the place that I’m at. Dad knows how stubborn I can be, I mean to this day I’ve never been wrong (and if I was trust me I have a justified reason as to how I’m not 100% wrong) J I was a perfectionist, (still am to a point but I’ve learned to loosen up a little) Dad even tried to talk me into missing a day of school once for no reason, just to learn to lighten up a little but I couldn’t stand the fact of not having 100% attendance. I remember being so sick during Cross Country one time dad literally made me go to the vehicle to sleep followed by a visit to the ER because I never really admitted to much pain which meant something really was wrong. Dad would sometimes ask me why I was so stubborn but I think I usually just stared at me as if he’d asked a rhetorical question that deep down he knew the answer was looking right back at him.

I suppose that stubborn gene is why dad has put up such a battle with his fight against Parkinson’s. He’s never let any of us give up at anything. All the right people who embrace his guidance will learn from all this and take everything they possibly can from it and be a better person because of it.

Like I’ve said before, I’m not always the best around dad on his bad days. It’s hard for me to see the strongest man I’ve ever known to struggle. This journey is helping me deal with some of all this to feel like I’m fighting this with dad in some way. I asked him on Sunday….”Dad I’m getting beat by 2 people in fundraising that’s on the NYC marathon Team with me…I know I’m not suppose to look at it like that because it’s all for a great cause….but it’s your fault I’m so competitive and can’t stand to lose…is it alright if I make this a competition?” He shook his head yes and I’m certain he knows it was going to turn into that…and like I said….it’s his fault J

Dad with his 3 Girls

Dad isn’t just my dad....he’s a father to 3 outspoken and loud girls J; he’s a grandfather to Sophie and Carter, He’s a “dad” to all of “Terry’s kids” from his involvement with coaching…. So for Father’s Day and Everyday…. Thank you dad…just doesn’t seem to justify the level of appreciation for all you’ve done.