My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys

Well, as promised in my 3 a.m. blog, here is my post about my Dad, the Cowboy. Yes, I may joke with my dad about his cowboy ways, but I secretly love him for it. :-)

"Cowboy Toru" is the identity I grew up knowing my dad for. While there are many sides to my dad, without this aspect of his life he just wouldn't be the same; I wouldn't be the same. Even though I did not inherit the same love for the wild west (although John Wayne Westerns will forever be my favorite movie genre) that my dad has, my heroes will always be cowboys because my dad is my hero.

Because of my dad's great love for God and passion for the ministry, I grew up with a very different childhood. We were constantly on the road, I was homeschooled, I was 'working the family ministry' ever since I could mutter the word "Praise the Lord" and "Jesus", I can quote multiple "Davey and Goliath" movies, and anytime someone needs me to fill in for Sunday School or Children's Church I can whip out a creative children's bible story like no one's business. I actually remembered the other day how when I was around 3 my dad started calling me up on stage to say my bible verse (probably John 3:16) and then sing Jesus Loves Me. After I was done singing my dad would say, "Now Charlee, who do YOU love?" and my cute response would be, "Daddy!" Now, if anyone out there is questioning whether or not I have always been a quick whit, I do recall a few times when I'd catch my dad off guard and steal the stage even more. Sometimes I'd answer "Mommy!" ;-)

Anyways, back to my dad. A lot of people would think, "Aw, poor you. Don't you wish your dad had a normal job?" My answer is always a big fat NO! While there were times I was frustrated with feeling a lot less than normal, I have a lot to be grateful for the way my dad chose to raise his family. My dad didn't have a typical 9-5 job, so he was always around. When he worked, we worked along side with him. When it came to us girls, he always had our best interest in mind. He would go out of his way to find something enjoyable for us girls. Whether it be a fun rodeo, a visit to a Civil War Battlefield, or a baseball game. We didn't have much growing up, but dad made sure our childhood was full of a lot of fond memories.

I have come to realize over the years that I am my dad through and through. No, I may not spin ropes, shoot guns and wear a cowboy hat, but I have his same spirit. This can get me in trouble at times. We aren't the greatest socializers, we tend to be more realistic in life and yes, sometimes we can be grumps. But, we have a passion for adventure, we go for what we want in life and we enjoy spending time with the people we care about. I'm glad to be like my dad. I couldn't have picked a better person to share a personality with.

So daddy, I know you're reading this. Even though we argue and get frustrated with each other, just keep in mind that I am my daddy's daughter. And I love you. :-)

My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys

Willie Nelson