Wave Jumpers

I loved visiting the Jersey Shore as a child and teenager. Some of my favorite childhood memories occurred in or around the Atlantic Ocean. My dad used to go in the ocean with me. We were wave jumpers, which simply means we'd wait for a wave to crest and then try to jump over it. It was fun to see how high we could jump. Sometimes, I'd jump so high I'd come crashing back down on my face into the salty water. My dad and I would share a laugh or two and do it all over again. And again.

Waves are a lot like fatherhood, I would imagine. Dads see their children through the peaks of their lives, or the crests. They also witness the troughs, the lowest points where there are hollows and long depressions. This is true of my father. He's been by my side for most of the happy moments. We jumped waves together on the ball field, tennis court and at various recognition award banquets. We've experienced family trips to places like Niagara Falls and Hershey Park. He's seen the milestones of me growing up, landing my first job, and getting my own place. We've experienced the crests together, whether it be my wedding day or his retirement. I've seen him at this best and it never fails to make me a proud daughter.

The troughs of life are unavoidable at times. We come down off the highest of waves to find ourselves in the lowest of places. Dad stood by me when I messed up, fell down and needed direction. He was there when Mom got sick, when I broke my wrist and when I made poor decisions. A dad is someone who jumps the waves with you and crashes down with you. I think the most important part of being a father, or a parent, is to be there for your child. Spend time with them. It doesn't matter if you are together at the crests or the troughs. It's the entire ride together that counts in the end.