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2007 Father of the Year
At some point in everyone's life, there is a certain person that stands out as a main inspiration and supporter. I have been lucky in the sense that I have always had that person by my side for all of my life. My dad is the single person who has stood by me no matter what. He is the person who taught me about the importance of hard work, determination, and striving to achieve your goals. To many people, they find these qualities in a mentor, teacher, or trainer, but to me, all of those qualities are shown by my dad. Throughout my life, my dad has supported me from cheerleading to gymnastics. Of course there was no problem when Daddy's Little Girl wanted to achieve every eight year old girl's dream of owning a pony. The problem is my dad never knew what he was getting into. From five in the morning schooling shows in the cross-rail classes to five in the morning stress over looking presentable for the USET, my dad has been by my side, calm and content on the outside, when I knew he was trying not to vomit. One of the best aspects about my dad would be his ability to be calm when my mom or I are under pressure. I remember continuous times of nervousness when I was younger about going into the ring, but my dad's routine pat on my thigh and his "go get 'em, tiger" sayings gave me a reason to believe in myself, because I knew that no matter what happened in that ring, Dad was there when I came out. The best quality about my father is his constant desire to help. Whether it be holding my horse in the cold while I stay warm, or staying home when I'm sick, my dad is always there to help me. Not only does he strive to help my family in every way possible, but he persistently tries to help the community and others. This past year, my family has gone through one of the hardest separations we have ever had. In November of 2006, my mom's job took her to Ann Arbor, Michigan, away from my father and me. As a senior in high school this year, I contested to stay in Oregon until the end of my senior year and last of my junior equestrian career. Of course, my dad elected to stay behind with me to ensure I had some means of familial support. Although I am very close to my mother and family, I find it hard to see my dad having to cope with the responsibilities of not only my father, but also take the place of my mother as well. I can only imagine the hardship my dad faces every day not being able to see my mother or not being able to interact with my mother other than by phone. I know as a daughter it is hard, but I cannot emotionally define the trouble my dad must face after years of being with my mom. I am surprised, however, that my dad is still there by my side celebrating and cheering for me not only in the equestrian aspect, but also in my daily life. As I write this letter, I am continuously reminding myself of how lucky I am to have a father like this. How no other person could ever have the relationship like that of my father and I. How much my father truly influences my life, and how much he really means to me. It seems it takes this letter to give me a justification in proving how my dad is so great. When in actuality, my dad is great everyday with his willpower and influence in my life. My dad is my backbone, my board to lean against when all else fails. He is the person I can turn to for help. My dad has not only been a great husband, father, and cheerleader throughout my life, but also one of my best friends. It is with great anticipation that I nominate my father, Dean Fergusson, for the Father of the Year Award. Sincerely, |
Web Master | © 2008 Oregon Hunter Jumper Association
Dear Members and Directors of the Oregon Hunter Jumper Association,