Happy Father's Day!

Since my day consisted of returning emails, watching golf, soccer, and hockey, and talking with Linda a couple of times, I decided I would go ahead and use today's entry to wish all the Dad's out there a Happy Father's Day!

My Dad made what he says was his last trip to the farm in the morning, and the new owners arrived with several friends as they moved in this afternoon.  The changing of the guard is surreal.

In the case of Linda and myself, our Dads are not our birthfathers.  I was adopted at three days old in southern California by Sterling & Anita Payne.  Linda's stepfather, Bill Vandiver (known to us all as "Van"), passed away back in 1998, but he was her Dad and by far the biggest male influence in her life.

Our Dads were dads in different ways.

My Dad expressed his love by making sure he put food on the table.  Though we didn't have much in the way of money or luxuries, we never wanted for anything.  His gift was the example of work ethic and his conviction that "You can do what ever you want and be whatever you want to be in this country."

Linda's Dad was tough but sensitive at the same time.  He helped make Linda the wonderful person she is today, and he was her emotional rock.  He would go from the "don't mess with me" foreman at the local Ford plant during the day to the proud father crying his eyes out at one of Linda's performances at night.

Great men in their own ways who produced a couple of pretty decent people - we think.  :)

So take time today to remember your Dad and consider what influence he has or had on your life.  Make contact and make an attempt to share something that you feel deeply.  If he has passed on, take a few moments of silence to remember him and let that smile form on your face or let those tears flow freely down your cheeks.

And if you are a Dad, take time today to really be a Dad.  There is no law that says you have to sit and wait to be acknowledged.  Pick up the phone, call the kids, and just tell them that you are proud of them and proud to be their Dad.  If you have the opportunity, initiate a hug and relish the chance that you have had to raise your child and, therefore, to make a difference in the world.

Before I close, I want to pass on a link that was sent to me by a reader.  Parents Wish is a moving slideshow with music that says to children of elderly parents what the parents often want to say but can't.  Be sure to have your speakers on when you hit "Play."  Good luck choking back the tears or the lump in your throat.  :)

Happy Fathers Day everyone!  And especially to our Dads that made it possible to embrace our dreams - We love you!  :)

Comments

[Judy]

One word to say it was "beautiful".....Judy & Bob

[Linda]

I really enjoyed that. It made me remember my dad and how confused he became with the Alzheimer Disease.
Thanks for sharing.

[Ken Hoenig]

Howard,
Parent's wish says it all. My dad passed away several years ago and I have always said if I turn out to be half the man he was I would be happy. We had our two boys and their families here over the weekend and you are correct we need to cherish the time we have with them, it all goes by all to fast.