Saying Thanks to Dad This Father's Day

Editor's Note: This week's Parents Talk writer, Nate Vandergrift, is the husband of Golden Valley Patch editor, Mary Costello.  They are expecting their first child in the next month.

This time next year, Father's Day will take on a whole new meaning in my life. Come this July, my wife and I will have our hands full with a beautiful, new baby girl. And as I quickly approach fatherhood, I can't help reflecting on what a great dad I was blessed with.

I grew up in Pittsburgh with my parents and an older sister. It's hard to live so far away from them now, but I love my job as a news producer at WCCO-TV, and my wife and I feel Minnesota is the best place for raising a family—especially if I want to give my family the kind of life my dad gave me.

When I think about growing up with my dad, words that come to mind are patience, calming, supportive and laughter.  My dad always made time for countless baseball practices, homework, school events and even times when I wasn't being such a good kid. The memories of how caring and patient my dad was, and still is, are vivid.

This time of every year, the Vandergrifts loaded up the car and headed out for our annual summer adventure. We didn't go on extravagant trips or stay in four-star hotels, and that was just fine with us. We just enjoyed each other's company and Dad always made sure we had a good time. The memories of those trips will never leave me, from waking up early to feed the ducks to catching the nearest minor league baseball game to even taking some pointless train rides that never seemed to end.

One thing is for sure—my Dad always taught me how to make the best of what you have and appreciate the wonderful people in your life. Our family loves to laugh and my dad's goofy sense of humor has definitely been passed on to me. No matter how bad things get in life, my dad always finds time to laugh. Laughter seems to be the best medicine and it's one of many important lessons Dad has given to me and our whole family, for that matter.

Dad, your patience, calmness and positive attitude have shaped me into the man I am today.  If I am a tenth the father you were, my soon-to-be daughter will have a wonderful and fulfilling life.  And if I have just one goal in life, it is to be just like you.

Happy Father's Day. I hope I can make you proud.

Nathan Vandergrift, father-to-be, Golden Valley