Matthew Vigil

In February 5th I detailed my fortunate upbringing and the tremendously positive affects it had, and continues to have, on my being. Although co-parenting and single parenting are viable options that are becoming increasingly common, there is no denying the power and effectiveness of growing up with both. A young man in his early 20s, falling in love with the woman of his dreams allowed me to grow up in such an environment; an environment that would allow me to indulge in the love and guidance of a father figure that others could only dream of. The kind of parent that most people don’t know they lacked until they’re decades into their lives.

If I said that my dad taught me to “be a man” it wouldn’t come close to conveying the character and values that were bestowed on me.

• Respect all and carry yourself as someone worthy of respect
• Hard work is the key to anything worth having in life
• Love and cherish every waking moment with your spouse
• Protect and help others whenever possible

Whether my dad was telling a joke, picking up a check for a family across the restaurant, consoling someone on hard times, or buying car parts for my friends, whom he just met, it showed me how much the virtue of one person can touch others.

In today’s age, when cops are under rightful scrutiny, I know with unwavering confidence there’s at least one good one. A Deputy Sheriff that allowed his parental and fatherly instincts to extend to those in his community. A proud and decorated career that could’ve easily culminated with his retirement but knew he had more service to give. It’s very humbling to be raised by someone with as much courage and sense of duty as he possesses.

I never knew what my dad meant when he would say, “I’m not your friend, I’m your dad”

The sentiment was lost on me for most of my life until I realized how right he was and what was sacrificed to make me the person I am today. Now that he’s raised an independent, caring, and decent person, we can enjoy the friendship we both earned. In a way I’m grateful I was never legally adopted. Formalities pale in comparison to what we’ve all known, felt, and cherished since day one.

To one of the funniest, loving guys I’ve ever met, happy Father’s Day, dad.