Today is my dad’s birthday.
He happens to be the most optimistic person I know. His 61 years have brought him his share of joy, love, and prosperity, but he’s also had his share of hard times in his life.
After graduating college, he set a goal to start and open a business in his small hometown, and went to bank after bank until one finally agreed to finance his dream. Many would have given up; many would have said what he wanted to do couldn’t be done at such a young age. Not my dad.
He’s spent his life an entrepreneur and business man and even when businesses failed, I never remember him being negative. When the economy collapsed and with it my parents’ business they spent a lifetime building, in the midst of losing nearly everything, all I remember him saying was, “I don’t need much”.
Through my mom’s cancer, his faith didn’t waiver, his strength and optimism were apparent throughout her battle. He continues to stay positive in his role as care taker as she deals with the long term side effects of her treatments.
One of my strongest memories of my dad while I was growing up is his singing. He often sang around the house. He sang (or whistled) as he worked. Everyday when he drove me to preschool, he’d sing the same song, On a Wonderful Day Like Today. It didn’t seem to matter what kind of day it really was, to my dad, it was wonderful. At least that’s what he showed me.
The other day when I was getting Meghan up, I opened her blinds like I always do. She looked out the window and exclaimed, “What a beautiful cloudy day!”
I realized that optimism is a natural tendency. Only with age do we gain skepticism and pessimistic attitudes. But we can fight it. As we get old and wise to the ways of the world, we don’t have to succumb to the negativity that surrounds us. We can all embrace the beautiful cloudy days.
From that day on, I’ve been singing On a Wonderful Day Like Today to Meghan in the car every morning when I drive her to preschool. I found out that singing is powerful. My dad was on to something.
I don’t have his singing voice, but when I belt out those words in the morning, I can feel my spirits lift and a smile naturally spreads across my face. What a great way to start the day.
I hope that I’ve inherited even a fraction of my dad’s optimism and I can pass it on to my children, too. Optimism is powerful tool to take through life.
Thank you, Dad, for showing me that. Happy birthday!
Here’s the lyrics for On a Wonderful Day Like Today for anyone who wants to add a little optimism to their mornings!
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Stephanie@MyThornsHaveRoses says
Oh I love this! Your dad sounds amazing! Meghan’s comment about a beautiful cloudy day just melts my heart! God Bless the eternal optimists. 🙂
Michelle {the lively kitchen} says
Such a sweet testament to your Dad. I can’t imagine much greater joy than having your kids see the real you and appreciate your strengths. He sounds like an inspirational man who raised an inspirational daughter.
Happy Birthday (late) to the Papa of the Happy Healthy Mama!
Maryea says
Thanks, Michelle!
Connie M says
I love your tribute to your dad, I have a wonderful dad too! I was the singer in the family although my mom did have a good morning verse she would sing me when she woke me up in the morning.
Being thankful and optimistic go hand in hand I think. We all have things to be thankful for, thanks for giving me so many great recipes, inspiring me to workout and giving me great reading on a weekly basis. I remember how busy I was as a new mom a few years back.
Maryea says
Oh, thank you for such a sweet comment. You just made my morning. 🙂
Kristina says
these days I don’t have much time to read and catch up with my blog friends, but I am so happy you crossed my reader tonight… happy birthday to your dad – he sounds amazing!
I am blessed to have such a positive dad, too… and especially lately I appreciate it so much. I know it is a trait I got from him, which I am also thankful for… positivity can have such an impact.
so can singing! 🙂
Maryea says
Thank you, Kristina. I know you understand the powerful impact of having an amazing dad in your life. I hope yours is doing well!
Jane says
Oh my gosh, what a wonderful post! Happy birthday to your dad! I’m sure you have inherited his optimism, I can see it in you and your daughter! I love how she said it is was a beautiful cloudy day! And what wonderful lyrics! My dad would sing to, and having studied music therapy, I know what an influence music can have!
Maryea says
It’s incredible how much singing that song in the morning can make me feel so happy and ready for the day.
Kath (My Funny Little Life) says
That’s a wonderful attitude your dad has about life, Maryea! Happy birthday to your dad! 🙂
Maryea says
Thank you, Kath.
Julie McLeod says
Maryea, what a beautiful tribute to your Dad. I cannot even imagine how proud your parents must be of you and your wonderful writing talent. We love reading your happy healthy Momma articles. Happy Birthday, Rob Pike!
Maryea says
Thank you so much! 🙂
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Melissa says
Maryea, I remember your dad singing at their cottage up north. He’s an awesome singer! Happy Birthday Mr. P!! 🙂
Maryea says
Now if only I’d inherited his singing voice! 🙂
Rawkinmom says
awwww….what a nice post!!!
Amy says
I couldn’t agree more Maryea!! Your Dad is such a wonderful man. I’m so lucky to have him as my father-in-law. He sang at our wedding and it is a memory that I will always treasure… Happy Birthday to Big Robb!!
Lauren @ Lawfully Wedded Wife says
Happy birthday to your dad! He sounds like a wonderful person. Optimism is definitely a powerful thing, I try to make sure I always keep mine. 🙂
Lydia says
Beautiful post!! It is nice to be able to pass things like this down to our own children. Thank you for posting the words to the song:-) Happy Birthday, Mr. Pike:-)
Christine (Merf) says
What a wonderful and special post. And how optimistic it makes me feel that my values may pass down to my children and even grandchildren!
Jillian says
Happy Birthday Mr. Pike! He is a great man. I always loved his singing, too. What a great post about him. He deserves it! 🙂
Ari@ThE DivA DiSh says
This is beautiful! Your dad sounds like a great guy, and people like him make life worth smiling for! Happy Birthday!
Candy @ Healthy in Candy Land says
What a lovely tribute to your dad! He sounds like a great man and dad. Thanks for the nudge toward optimism–I am by nature not a very optimistic person, but I firmly believe in making our own lives the way we want them to be. I am going to sing out loud today.
Maryea says
I never would have guessed you aren’t an optimistic person. Singing out loud really is powerful, as corny as I might sound!
Jennifer says
He sounds like a amazing man! Happy Birthday to him!
Julie H. of Spinach and Sprinkles says
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to your dad! 🙂 He sounds like an amazing mad who has been an amazing example of the way to live life. I love hearing about people that take every day for the beautiful creation that God has made it and make the most of it. Also, I LOVE that you are sining that song to Meghan everyday on the way to school. 🙂 Again, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to your dad!
Maryea says
Thanks, Julie. He really is amazing. I’m a lucky girl to have him for a dad. 🙂
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
aww…happy b-day to your father. He sounds like an awesome Dad!