I’d really rather forget this day. I’ve been waiting for it to go away: unable to pass the Father’s day card isle, changing the radio station when a store is advertising Father’s Day gifts and immediately deleting promotional emails on how to “celebrate with Dad”.
I could hate this day but that would be wrong. Even my father would tell me that’s not a good idea. He’d tell me it’s just another day and not that important to get angry about it. He’d tell me not to think about it because it’s not important- it’s just a day.
Thankfully my father didn’t care about holidays- Hallmark or otherwise. He just liked occasions for his kids to all gather around and be together. He didn’t want gifts or special recognition, he just wanted time with us. He wanted us together- that’s when he was happiest.
Now, on days like this, we still come together. He’s not physically here but we are. He may be watching from heaven- he may know where we all are and when we’re all together, but even if he doesn’t, when we’re together, he’s here too.
Each one of us, his four children and my mom, his wife for over 32 years, carry memories and pieces of him with us. We talk about him and laugh at certain memories. We talk about what he would think about certain situations- should he be here today. We live our lives according to the wisdom and teachings he passed down to us and we continue to honor him. To us, he was and will always be the best Dad ever.
It’s not the same- it’ll never be here on earth- but I know for certain exactly where he is. I know that I will see him again and this is just a “time-out” for now. He’s gone on to do a job in a higher place and we can’t be with him yet. But one day there will be no need to only gather on holidays. Father’s day, Christmas, New Years and Easter won’t have any bearing on family gatherings because we’ll always be together. Maybe he’ll even have his dream come true and we’ll live on the same street. Maybe he’s building our houses and figuring out where he’ll take us first when we get there. Maybe he’s with his father and mother, and my aunt and cousins that get to be with him in that celestial paradise.
It’s ok, though, because Daddy’s still here. His memory, lessons and everything he taught us are still very much alive. He lives on through us and when we have children they will know exactly who he was. No need to mourn or hate this day because Daddy’s still here- I can’t see him but I can certainly feel it.
Daddy- thanks for always being a great father. Thank you for being the true example of a Godly man and someone we could trust to keep promises. Thank your for always saying “I love you” and making us the center of your world after God. You worked hard and always provided for your family. What you learned you taught us so we wouldn’t have such a hard time in life. You left a great legacy and we get to live within it. You were and will always be my hero. Anyone who knew you loved you and still misses you today. I love you Dad and I’ll see you soon.
Becoming Invincible 