As Father's Day approaches, everyone on the BuDhaGirl team is recognizing their dear dads. Today, Chuck, our General Manager, honors his father, Charles Sr.

A Tale of Two Charles

This blog isn’t big enough to capture all that I have to say about a man that has truly been the epitome of what a father should be, my dad, Charles. For years I railed against being his namesake, bestowed with a Jr. at the end of my name. As a kid hearing, “you are just like your father," drove me nuts. But as the years have passed, my thoughts around this have shifted to gratitude for even being considered to be like him.

The one constant in our journey together has been his unwavering love and support of me. Even moments when I knew I was venturing far off the path of his vision for me, he was there. He allowed me to do what we all must do in life to grow and expand… fall and rise again. Both, by the way, are acts of deep love. And for each of those moments, he was there with advice, concern and always a hand to lift me up.

My Dad is a native Texan and has lived in the Dallas area most of his life. Not only is he the patriarch of our family but he has been a great leader and mentor to many business colleagues and friends. He is a great source for advice on multiple topics, especially health issues. Whatever you think you have, he’s either got a pill for it or will give you a quick consultation of what it might be. He’s the “go-to guy” for whatever ails you emotionally, physically or spiritually. Even now in moments of triumph or strife, he is my first call.

For years as a kid, my Dad would dress up as Santa Claus for the neighborhood kids. The best treat at Christmas was getting to ride in the back seat of the car while Mom chauffeured him around town in his Santa suit. It was so much fun watching the kids’ expressions in the passing cars when they realized Santa was in the car next to them. It was nothing short of pure joy. It is a miracle we weren’t in any wrecks, and I can state for a fact that I did indeed see Mommy kissing Santa Claus!

Even though I was not blessed to have any children of my own, I would like to think that if I had they too would’ve seen my father in me. I can’t imagine any higher a compliment!

My dad and his great granddaughter, present day.

Thanks for being my Dad, Charles Sr.

Love,

Charles Jr.

BuDhaGirl Dads: Meet Charles