Papa, a "Human"

Alright, it's hardly a revelation that fathers almost always appear bigger than life in the eyes of their daughters.  I should know.  Papa remained a sort of god to me until his departure...and beyond.  It makes me wonder: why do we, daughters, have such a fascination with The first man in our lives?

A perspective through a child's lenses

If asked as a little girl, I would have said that Papa rocked for his ability to level with me.  He just always knew the right thing to say to soothe my every chagrins.  He further instilled in me his love for the written word, sweet treats, lazy afternoons, family gatherings, debates and much more.  Back then, Papa could do no wrong.

A not-so-childish viewpoint

Then again, I later discovered he wasn't without flaws.  His large appetite for the opposite sex was notorious.  He was financially irresponsible as can be; and, he wrongly thought himself to be invincible.  After all, diabetes-induced complications and a life filled with indulgences of epic proportions did do him in.  Growing up, I watched Papa fall from grace in many arenas of his life.  All the while though, these downfalls earned him a "human grandeur" that has stayed with me. 

That's right, his so-called imperfections 'humanized' him in my consciousness (or my subconscious being some might argue).  Being 'human' was Papa's best attribute because he unapologetically let me witness his victories and losses, just the same.  That transparent twist he put on fathering is what set him apart.  No false pretenses of being perfect or above any ill-doing around me.  He clearly understood that the most fitting balance in being a father lies in modeling how to be victorious gracefully and recover from falls unbent.

For that, he is forever godly to me.  And I will once more contemplate his legacy with fondness on Father's Day.

So, what's the one word the best describes your father?  And why?