A Phrase I Love

There are some phrases that are universally good to hear like, “I love you,” or “you look really good today.” Although these examples are generally positive they have a different meaning for each person depending on their experiences.

The phrase that I have realized I most like to hear isn’t always, universally positive. But, based on my experiences, it is one of the highest compliments anyone can give me. I am one of the lucky people who are proud when they hear this phrase.

Whenever somebody says, “you are a lot like your dad,” I feel taller and stronger, like the withers of a horse.

Whenever somebody says, “you are a lot like your dad,” I feel more caring and sensitive to the needs of people I barely know.

Whenever somebody says, “you are a lot like your dad,” I feel capable of working tirelessly to make everything I touch better than it was when I found it.

Whenever somebody says, “you are a lot like your dad,” I feel like I know how to fix anything whether that’s a person, situation, or household item.

Whenever somebody says, “you are a lot like your dad,” I feel grateful for the blood that is in my veins. B positive is my blood type and it’s definitely inherited.

Whenever somebody says, “you are a lot like your dad,” I can tell that they too see it as a compliment. They often say it with a reminder of what it means to be like McKell Withers.

Whenever somebody says, “you are a lot like your dad,” I feel like I understand what’s most important in life, that I’m not concerned with frivolous and unnecessary things.

Whenever somebody says, “you are a lot like your dad,” I feel like I have the capacity to be a perfect father (and grandfather). The kind that plays catch, teaches important lessons, wrestles occasionally, gives advice, and loves unconditionally.

Whenever somebody says, “you are a lot like your dad,” I thank them; because there are few phrases that I like to hear more than that. To be anything like McKell is to be great.

Thanks Dad for everything you’ve taught me, most of it has been taught by humble example. I love you.