“I have the best taste in music,” is probably my favorite quote from my dad. It’s one he uses regularly. Stomping through the house, he will turn off anything he deems “bad music.” This ranges from pop to country and beyond. He is an avid fan of The Smiths and Depeche Mode and would spend hours with me browsing classic 80s music set lists and articles about popular songs. This might not seem like a lot, but quality time is my dad’s love language, and music is one of his avenues towards bonding with his kids.
When he wasn’t “improving” my “musical education” as he phrased it, he made time to be an amazing role model. My father has worked diligently to provide for his children. He turned down promotions to maintain stable work hours where he could still show up to our softball and baseball games. He took time out of his day to teach us his favorite childhood video games, instilling within us a love for the 80s and all things underground. He was and is fully present in each of his kids’ lives.
He is a quiet patriarch who leads by doing it first by himself, then allowing us to try, fail, try again, and succeed. This kind of leadership is sorely lacking in modern society. He is always looking for ways to serve, whether that be for his family or simply the workers he recognizes at his favorite stores. This quiet service to others is the purest form of leadership—not seeking something in return, but aiming to help everyone around him.
Aside from my dad, I have an army of strong men in my corner. They are cops, history and language teachers, managers, dispatchers, and so much more. Each of the men in my life have poured effort into my upbringing, teaching me the hard lessons they learned when they were my age.
The term “daddy issues” is frequently used as an insult, but putting more thought into it, our nation has a “dad issue.” Men are, often stereotypically, known for absenteeism, creating a wake of trauma and destruction in their trail. These men should be shamed and reprimanded for the destruction they cause, but men who stay and build families should be honored, as the latter is a far more difficult undertaking.
Our nation would benefit greatly if the men in their communities would step up and lead. I have had the honor of seeing how real men treat their wives, what sacrifice looks like, and why integrity matters. My standards for a future partner are not dictated by pop culture, but the role models that have been in my life since I was born.
On Fathers’ day, we should remember the men who stayed, built, and raised generations of strong families just like my dad has done.
Taylor Hunt
Taylor Hunt is currently attending Washington State University pursuing a degree in AG Engineering. In her spare moments, Taylor writes for multiple outlets and loved to explore the natural world.
The views expressed in this article are the opinion of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Lone Conservative staff.
@TakketyTam
