It was a cold, storming night in the Glodich household. I awoke to a large rumble shaking the surrounding walls of my room while flashes of light soared through the open window. I slid out of bed and crept barefoot throughout the house across the cold tile to arrive to an open door in front of my parent's room. I do not remember why my mother was not there that night, however what I can remember from my middle school memories are the tears and sounds of my father coming from the bed. I did not have to say anything because what do you say to your dad when it feels like the worst thing in the world has happened? I stood at the side of his bed and he only had to say, "Come here Gab." I slid into his arms with the biggest hug I could muster and I remember us lying there processing the death of my Grandma Linda, his mother, during this huge thunderstorm as if the heavens were crying and grieving as well.
The same experience happened in reverse roles when I awoke close to my high school graduation feeling a presence within my bedroom, somehow knowing it was my grandmother. But with fear, I hastily exited the room and ran across to my father's office where I burst into tears and sought comfort through the same exact hug.
The comfort of a hug. There was nothing more to be said or do. The solace provided from the one simple action of a hug within each other's presence was all we needed to maintain our strength to make it through difficult times. Each time I found myself truly beaten down and needing that one person to turn to, it was always him- my sweet daddy. Thats all you ever need in your life-your daddy.
The hard exterior of an intimidating coach is the first thing that comes to mind for those of Marine City. You can hear his ragged, overwhelming voice swearing across any football field, see his red, angry face flare up after difficult plays, hear the cracking sound of a yet another broken clipboard from a bad call at a basketball game, and feel his undenying presence of leadership and community when surrounded by those in the town with his strong, confident speeches. But if only you could see his sweet demeanor when speaking to me, the wise guidance he provides through carefully selected words during any of my life struggles, and the comfort he gives through a meaningful hug.
I will have to admit. My teenage years were so difficult on our relationship. I don't know what it was about me, but I wanted to distance myself as far away as I could from him. I was tired of just being Glodich's daughter and I enrolled myself in all the sports he had no experience in on purpose so he could not coach me. The distance I attempted in my younger years were just a phase (thankfully) and beyond those years I began to see the true value of the father, daughter relationship and not take things for granted. Instead of running and being as far away from him, I found myself longing to be closer to him every moment. I aspire to be just like him one day. The way he impacts the community and those around him is extremely unique and nothing like anything I have ever seen outside of Marine City. He is the face of home and strength to many of us, but he is the only face of dad and endearment to me. He was the first man I ever loved and will continue to forever. All it takes to feel whole and that the world is alright again is through the love of a father's hug.
I love you so much Ron Glodich.
Happy Father's Day Daddy.
