Father’s Day
Happy Father’s Day. I’m a father. I like it. But I don’t really think I need a day. Generally speaking, I feel celebrated all the time. The kids in Houston frequently call and text, just to tell me what’s up, or ask how things are going, or tell me a funny story about their kids and families or even sad stories. It’s the same with the son who lives with me. We’re always talking about music, trees, and plants. I’m still in their lives, and that feels good.
Personally, I think we might have gone overboard with all the days we have dedicated to various family members, including sons, daughters, grandparents, cousins and aunts and uncles. I think the best way to celebrate all these folks is simply to stay in touch with them. A call, a text, a visit. It can be done anytime, day or night. That’s how someone knows they’re loved and appreciated. You make an effort, and that effort is founded in love. It’s that old idea that actions speak louder than words.
Now, having said that, I miss my dad. He passed away in 2006. I was with him at the end. I learned a lot from him, and he did a lot for me. We had our differences, but that is the human story. Everyone makes their own way, eventually. We evaluate, make decisions, and choose our path. But I see a lot of him in me. We both served in the Navy. We were both Hospital Corpsmen. We both raised families. We loved baseball. I still look at his life to sense check what I’m doing in mine. So, happy Father’s Day. I hope everyone has a good one. A father, a good father.