This year was my first Father's Day with two kiddos and what a difference! Emily made the day pretty easy on me and I was able to do some relaxing activities I rather enjoy (fishing, tv, hanging out with Zeke). But in doing so, I forgot to call MY dad. It's so bizzare to me that I missed his one day of the year to be remembered as Dad. I could say I am busy at work and gosh, the kids are kind of crazy but I make time other days to call...
I think it's becoming an effort thing. It takes effort and rememberance to realize and truly appreciate where you are at this exact moment. The effort is the remembering to put it in my fancy pants phone that does everything (when you remember to program it for that). The remembrance is much more humbling. Looking back on the last 30 years, I have had one of the greatest dads in the world. I would say the greatest in the world but he might argue his dad was a better man than he. I know I feel that my dad is a greater dad than I am and I hope that that would be true of all dads, constantly admiring the effort put forth in raising us up to hopefully acceptable status in our own eyes some day. I honestly don't know how he made time for all the fishing and hunting trips. He made a great majority of all the 437 sports I played growing up. I remember his comments after games and small little coachings while still allowing the coach to be the coach. I remember practicing flipping jigs at red ice cream buckets in the front yard. I am sure the neighbors felt we were crazy. I remember laying on the floor of a snack or tool truck, listening to the engine and feeling the warmth on a trip back to Sweetwater from some shop somewhere and discussing the difference of a cab-over truck and the standard style. I remember fixing sprinkler heads I mowed over and some how being able to fit in EVERY youth activity from 5th grade until graduation. I remember a lot of things but this year I didn't. At least not on the right day. For that I am truly sorry but Dad, I do remember all the things you have done for me and I hope to love like you do and model your fatherhood someday. Thanks for being my dad.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
Chris, Don't think that the delay in commenting to your post has anything to do w/ anything except that I was so humbled by your post that I have to give it a little time to soak in. AS you well know I am the kind that has to think about stuff and not act on impulse or hastily. The first thought was to tell you not to worry because "your's truly" has also forgotten to call his Dad on important days. And believe me I feel your pain because I have been there myself! But then that would foil that image you have of me. Or I could say for what it's worth that I know how busy and hectic a young parent's life can be. But what I really want to say is this: No father on this earth is perfect, not mine & not your's. My view is that it takes both of us willing to participate to have the geniune and rewarding relationship that we have. Guess what! You have certainly done your part for us to grow and enjoy our father & son partnership that we have. Another news flash! No matter how grand I have become in your eyes, I am humbled by having a son of such high and honorable character as you. Watching you become such a loving and dedicated husband and father has been one of the richest blessing's of my life. Kudos to you!
Love, Dad
Post a Comment