As I think about Dad, I recall his favorite things.
He thoroughly enjoys dogs. After having grown up with the presence of one dog or another, the nature of a dog lover has definitely gotten into him. Even though he hasn't had a dog at home with him for years, he delights in other people's dogs, like the ones his parents have had since he married Mom. He has enjoyed playing around with their dogs, taking them for walks, and giving them treats and other expressions of affection. The goes for Weasley, the dog of my brother and sister-in-law. Dad even enjoys greeting the dogs in the neighborhood as he goes out for exercise. I often hear him talk, with great enthusiasm, about how such and such dog he knows is a "nice dog".
I also think it's pretty notable that Dad has biked regularly to work over the course of his decades of time in the working world, usually at least 10 miles one way and then back home. I pretty much consider him a bike expert, and his expertise has proved helpful over the years, especially as I grew to like biking myself, particularly for pleasure rides.
When it comes to his favorite television shows, there are two that come to my mind: Watching M*A*S*H brings back fond memories to him and Mom of their early years, when it was still airing in its original run. Another show he enjoys is The Andy Griffith Show, which is something I've grown to enjoy with its down-to-earth feel and fine humorous touches.
And when it comes to radio, he is a big fan of Relevant Radio. For years, I've seen him reach for radio dial in the car, in the kitchen, and in other rooms of the house to tune in for great Roman Catholic content. I would absorb much of it through osmosis.
In the past few years, I started listening to it regularly on my own. I've enjoyed great shows like St. Joseph's Workshop and A Closer Look in the past, and current shows like Trending with Timmerie and the two shows that debuted this year, The Faith Explained and The Cale Clarke Show.
Relevant Radio actually started 20 years ago this month on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Over these two decades, it has engaged in the work of evangelization so magnificently by teaching and discussing the faith with such great depth.
In all the programming, those who participate, the hosts and their guests, offer such thoughtful and insightful perspectives that help audiences understand faith more deeply. Indeed, the programming on and resources of Relevant Radio faithfully upholds the teachings of the Church and helps the faithful who listen to know how to uphold it in their own lives. One great example is the book Father Rocky recently offered on well-formed consciences, very timely in preparation for the recent elections, but a good tool for any time as well.
Relevant Radio has played a faithful role in the work of evangelization, helping promote and explain the faith to radio audiences. Time and again, stories are shared on-air about the profound impact the station has had on people. The impact continues as it expands its network throughout the United States, and even now with tools like online livestreaming and the Relevant Radio app. We as the faithful are truly meant to continue learning all throughout our lives, since there is so much to discover about God, and Relevant Radio has done such a great job to facilitate lifelong learning.
I can sense why Relevant Radio resonates so much with Dad, as a person of deep faith. So with this recent milestone for Relevant Radio, I have even greater reason to celebrate Dad's birthday as I think about how Relevant Radio represents how Dad has handed on the great gift of faith to me.
In gratitude to you, Dad, for enjoying these and more things in life, and for what you've handed on to me, I say, "Happy Birthday!"
We are ever connected as family and in faith: All my relations.
Thanks be to God.
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