Someone You Should Know.......my Dad

That's right, the first person that I think you need to know (if you don't already) is my dad, Doug Durick.

Here's SOME of the many reasons I love him and think you should too:

1) My dad has instilled in me a love of all sports. Some of my fondest memories are playing baseball, football, basketball, or hockey in the back yard or in the driveway as a child. He was always so young at heart and would spend HOURS playing with us. We'd play traditional games or he could always come up with the best ideas for new games (at least they seemed new to us). He is also one of the best coaches I know. I've never known anyone to say they didn't enjoy playing under my dad's leadership. He is wonderful at making any game fun.

2) He has such a passion for the Lord. He has always been a wonderful role model and someone I look up to. I respect his opinion and thoughts because I know he is wise and has a lot to offer me. He has taught me what a relationship with Christ looks like and that is a greater gift than anything else.

3) He's been a dad to Mark. He welcomed Mark with loving arms from the get-go. I picked my fair share of duds in the past but my dad saw that Mark truly made me happy he accepted him as family and included him in our lives. Mark loves my dad and he loves him back. I can not even explain how blessed I feel that these 2 vital men in my life love each other the way they do.

4) He always exhibits joy which has envoked many nicknames (Biggie Fry, Steamy, Mario, Papa Smurf, Big Papi, and Big Boy just to name a few). All of these names are given in the sincerest form of flattery and every one has a funny story behind it.

5) We are one in the same. This used to drive me crazy growing up because we have many of the same likes and dislikes, hold things in the same way, and we argue the same way (which made for unproductive arguments). I now consider this a truly special bond between my father and me.

6) He genuinely cares about things that are important to me. He supports me in all that I do and he loves and respects the things that I love. My dad loves my friends and treats them wonderfully. He especially loves Em and Jen and I think they would second the fact that he makes them feel comfortable at all times.

7) And the clincher (which really makes him extra special) is the fact that he calls me out of the blue just to tell me that he loves me and he's proud of me. No daughter could ask for anything better.

I'm sure my brother would give you some of the exact same reasons. Point blank, I grew up with an amazing father and it makes it so hard for me to even fathom how great my Heavenly Father will be when I already have such a great Earthly father!

Doug Durick is one person you NEED to know!

(...And that's the first of many....)

If I missed something, let me know!