We asked you to tell us what makes your father fabulous, and after reading hundreds of heartfelt entries we were able to narrow it down to the following winners. The first place winner will receive a $100 gift card to Darden Restaurants (Red Lobster, Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, and more) and a $50 Goodwill gift card. The two (2) Runners Up will each receive a $25 Goodwill gift card.
Thank you to all who entered and we wish all the dads out there a very Happy Father's Day!
Winner
My son has been saying that he has the best father in the whole world, but he does not have the skills to write an essay because he has autism. Our daughter also has autism, but she thinks her daddy is fabulous, too.My son and daughter have a fabulous Dad because he works hard every day and sacrifices things he wants and would like to do so that they can have the expensive therapy that they need to make progress. My husband also works to provide the funds for them to go to summer camp, and participate in park district programs like ballet and tumbling. Even though money is tight with the therapy expenses, he puts them first and makes sure they have the experiences they love. He is also a great dad because he has games that he plays with each of them. They are not always easy to engage, but he has worked very hard to find ways to play with them that they each really love. He has chase games that my son loves to play, and tickle games that our daughter adores. He also makes sure they have lots of great experiences with him. He takes them out on nature walks, he taught them to fly kites and he bought them each a scooter and takes them out to ride their ride their scooters. Our family has been given its fair share of challenges. My son and daughter have the most wonderful father because he keeps on going for them even though he is tired, over-worked, and doesn't have much time for himself. He keeps going to give them everything that they need even at the expense of his own well-being. I can't think of a more Fabulous Father than that! Christine W., Bolingbrook, IL |
Runner Up
This Father's Day will mean more to me than any other. On May 17th, my Daddy went in for a quintuple bypass to remove what started as 90% blockage on 4 of his arteries. The Doctor's said he is a walking miracle, had any 1 of his arteries gotten completely blocked, he would have had a heart attack and never made it to the hospital. I've been blessed with a wonderful man to call not only my Dad but also my friend. My Dad has always been like a best friend to me. As a child, he took our family on adventerous camping trips and patiently taught his daughters his love of fishing and the outdoors. I remember as a child the times I would pretend to be sleeping just so my Daddy would carry me up the stairs and tuck me into bed. As his daughters grew, Dad was always there for us. All we had to do was mention we needed to stop at the gas station, and by the time we went to our cars, our gas tanks would be filled. In the winter time, Dad would always bundle up and go clean the snow off our cars and have the cars warmed up for us before we'd leave for school/work. My dad is a quiet man but whenever we needed advice, he would always be tehre to listen and give some of the best advice. Throughout the years, my Dad shared his love for The Chicago White Sox. I've always been his White Sox Buddy; his birthday present would always be tickets to Opening DAy. I was so happy I got to celebrate the world series win in 2005. Growing into an adult, my relationship with my father has grown. He's always there for me no matter what I need-whether it be going to a concert with me when I can't find anyone else to taking car of my car for me (I'm such a Daddy's girl), anything I need done around the house, stopping for milk or eggs when he knows I need them. Most importantly-wonderufl companionship. I'm so grateful that God gave him another chance to spend time with his wife and daughters; another chance fo rme to keep learning from him and loving the most wonderful man in my life! Janet Z., Chicago Ridge, IL |
Runner Up
My dad has always been my hero. As a little girl I believed he could beat up Hulk Hogan, and probably Superman. To me my dad's muddy construction boots were his superhero cape, and his mustache his Clark Kent disguise. I was sure that when he left the house we was doing wonderful amazing things to save the world. My dad would often say, "The sun is always shining above the clouds." I believed he knew that from flying up there while he was being his superhero self out in the world. As I grew up many of my fairy tale beliefs faded. I did, however keep my belief in my super hero dad. In fact, the more I learn about him, the longer I see him battle through life, the more I believe he is truly a super hero. He might not fly, or have laser beams shoot from his eyes, but he has many other super powers. I realize now that his saying, "The sun is always shining above the clouds." is more than a saying, it was motto he lived by, and continues to today. He has carried our family through many tough times, always with a smile on his face and a witty humor that could lighten any mood. Dad can always find the light at the end of the tunnel, that is his superpower. With his superpower he might not be saving the world, but he is making my brothers and my worlds safe. I have never feared going after my goals, because of my dad's love and support. When you have a super hero in your corner, it feels like you could climb any mountain, or chase any star. My dad was raised in a poor single mother household, he worked many jobs throughout his life. He always found a way to support his wife of 29 years (as of June 2nd, 2013) and his three children (a daughter (me), and two sons). Eventually, he started his own business and has successfully owned and operated X-Tracked Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning for over 15 years. He dreams of owning a restaurant one day, and has begun to take classes at Mott Community College towards his Associates Degree in Culinary Arts. My dad isn't made of money (yet). He isn't a college graduate (yet). He doesn't own his own restaurant (yet). These are his dreams, and watching him become the man he is today, and continue to strive for more for his family and himself has made me the person I am today. My father is fabulous because he is devoted, loving and tough as nails. I love my father, and he loves me, it doesn't get more fabulous than that! Brianna F., Rosemont, IL |
