My Dad - "It's Only a Car"

I admire my father for so many reasons.  He's honest, funny, supportive, kind loving, wise and easy going...and that's just for starters.  Everyone who knows my dad, likes him.

I got my drivers license at age 16, like all metro Detroit kids.  Many of my friends' fathers had strict rules about using their cars.  Heaven forbid there should be a nick or dent in their cars.  Not so with my dad.  My sister and I widened the garage door on a regular basis, taking out pieces of the trim as we swung in.  This sort of thing never happens quietly and there were always dents, scratches or rub marks along the sides of the car.  My dad laughed every time he heard the bang and screech.  He'd patch the broken trim, bump out the dents, or just let them stay.  "It's only a car." he'd say.

Our neighbor made his family members put the car in the garage and wipe it down if it was raining.  My dad said "Park next to the side door, Honey, so you won't get wet."

Dad told us not to lock the car.  "If someone is following you, you can get in faster if it's unlocked." He advised. "I can replace the car, but I can't replace you."

When I got my first brand new car, I parked it in his garage.  He accidentally knocked over a pole,  putting a teeny dent in the chrome.  He started to apologize and I stopped him, saying "Hey, Dad, it's only a car."  We laughed together.  It felt good.

What did I do to be blessed with such a wonderful man for my dad?  God must really love me!