Gerrit: Remembering Dad

What an amazing human being. I couldn't imagine a better father to have. Even in the worst of times, this man was ready with any joke, confidence booster, or a mashup of the two. Life was always brighter around Steve.

When I was really young, he had no problem joining in my weird young child interests. Playing with my toys with me, letting me string the dog's toys across the floor for some weird landmine game, dealing with and 'enjoying' my 5YO 'gourmet' cooking. Sorry about that last one, dad.

I always enjoyed going to the gym with him. For the first few years, I was only allowed in the children's area until after when we went to the pool, but eventually we'd go together, workout a bit, play some pickleball, then hit the pool. I always looked forward to it, whether or not there was a smoothie at the end (but they were a nice bonus on the special days).

A man who knew how to make the most of time, and keep things fun and comfortable, one of my best memories was during baseball season. I may not have been much of a sports person, and realized I'm very much a music person (which will be touched on later, for sure) his attitude to it all lent to one of my biggest life philosophies now. We were having tournaments for baseball, and I had 3 games in 1 day. There was a good amount of time between games, and it was a hot day, so what did we do between games? Went to go cool down in two different and fun ways. Also, not even being 10 yet, I would often skip to first base. Instead of being upset I wasn't serious enough, like my coach, my dad found it amusing. I consider this the start to teaching me that, there's so much to enjoy in life, and to find ways and places to do as much of that as possible.

Even later in life, when I was old enough to really feel the weight and stress of life, he'd still ask me what I was doing for fun, and remind me to make time/opportunities for it, even if it is just taking a boring or miserable thing (like work) and figuring out how to make the most of it. I sometimes forget without him reminding me, taking things a little too seriously, but I'll step up my game now that I won't have his reminders.

For the music part. My dad brought me to many concerts when I was younger. Mostly classic rock, since that was his jam. The first few were Chicago, ACDC, and Styx. A true rock and roller at heart, but still appreciated so many things music. If it weren't for that I might never have had my time in the music industry. We'd talk often about music, both bands he liked, and bands I liked, getting into the details: what songs do you like, what songs do you not like, what makes this track or album stand out, etc. I also feel like it's a bit unexpected to see a body building rocker get into musicals, but he also loved those. Sometimes he would even sing songs from them, albeit often in a more humorous way. That, to me, just shows his love for music and jokes, though. In fact one of the best concerts we went to together, was Weird Al at the State Fair.

The third big impact, but definitely not the last, was his kindness and charity. If any of his kids (biological or through marriage) were in a tight spot, he was ready to support in whatever ways he was able. Sometimes to a bit of his own detriment. I have also heard many stories of how much he has been there for his employees. He wanted to see everybody in his life happy and comfortable. I do feel bad, that my last time moving back with him, I believe I overstayed my welcome, but he never said a negative thing about it. I could tell I was being a burden despite my best efforts.

We never stopped being close, and enjoying each others company, despite this. I know if he has any regrets about it, it's got nothing to do with me. I will pay it forward, and strive to have even half the heart of the biggest hearted man I've ever known. Life is definitely more fun and enjoyable with you in it. I would've loved to have more time to enjoy it with you. Neither of us want me to be you, and would rather I be my own person, but there's so many things you have shown me that inspired me and make me want to be like you. I love you very much, and will miss you very much. Forever I will be proud that you are my father.