Blog Post #1- Self Portrait

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When I think of my dad, a few things come to mind; his carefree personality, humorous demeanor, passion for food, but above all, his eyes. Wide set, too big for the rest of his face, bright baby blue, and framed by a thick set of jet black eyelashes, they’re perhaps his most defining physical characteristic. This same pair of eyes is a common trait among my siblings and I, one that I’ve constantly been reminded of throughout my life. I can recount an innumerable amount of occasions where the phrase, “Your eyes look just like your Dad’s!” has managed to squeeze itself into conversations with family friends and relatives.

My parents divorced when I was at the young age of four, and while growing up with separate parents has had many different impacts on my life, not all of them are negative. It allowed me to become closer to my dad than I think I would have been able to before. My childhood is filled with fond memories of times with him- summer days at the pool, riding in the backseat of his silver BMW (where he would always show me his secret shortcuts through the city of Louisville), trips to my grandmother’s house, Wednesday nights out for dinner, and so many more.

One of the most important lessons my dad has shared with me is open mindedness- never being afraid to experience new things. This traces back to situations as simple as forcing me to eat food I didn’t want to, which I firmly believe is one of the primary reasons I’ll try anything once. My dad makes it a point to share his passions with me, and show me the world from his own perspective. I admire the way my dad loves the things he loves- he does it in such a strong, unforgiving, unrelenting way. When he’s passionate about something, he makes sure the world knows it, especially the world of his three kids. I was never very thankful for this, as it called for many days full of activities a little girl would typically dread, but these passions have slowly bled into my own over my 20 years. I find myself having more and more in common with my dad every day, as well as a desire to share these discoveries with him. The long hikes I’d be forced on through the Kentucky wilderness are now ones I look forward to, the music he’d play that I would immediately dismiss is now music I find easy to listen to myself.

My eye have become a defining characteristic for me throughout my life, but not just in a physical sense. They serve as a testament to a man I’m proud to call my dad, and the pieces of him that lie within me- his interest in history, his passion for singing (even with subpar vocals), his love for the outdoors, his unmatchable sense of humor (mine will never live up to his), and too many others to name. Whenever I miss my dad, whenever he’s not near when I need him to be, I know I can always find him, especially in my big, blue eyes.