A Father’s Day Gift

Hey Dad, haven’t spoken in a while. Fathers’ Day is around the corner, so thought I’d drop you a quick note. 

All is well here, tough year but we managed. The girls are doing fine, young adults now, you wouldn’t recognize them.

They have been asking, almost bugging me “What do I want for Father’s Day?” A yearly ritual for sure.

I start off with various boats, planes, cars… they roll their eyes. Then, to tools… they inform me I already have every tool known to mankind. Next… shirts, shorts, gift cards, etc. All so boring, I’m told. “Come on Dad” they press, “what do you really want?” My answer is always the same: “I don’t know but I’ll get back to you.” They chorus back, “Yeah right Dad, never mind, we’ll take care of it.”

Ya know Dad, it always seems a bit odd to me. I realize the meaning and purpose is to celebrate fathers, but it seems strange to get a gift for something I enjoy being so much. Hell, I would gladly give them gifts if they agreed to keep me on in the job!

They are off on their daily adventures now, Jo is at the store, and I find myself with a treasured quiet moment on the back patio. I know you had a favorite spot in the back yard, and so do I.

Sun is shining, birds are birding, squirrels are squirreling, it’s perfect, and I start to ponder. I remember with a smile, that on more than one occasion, you warned me about thinking too much, how I might hurt myself. Nevertheless, I’m really putting some grey matter into this. Hmmm, what do I REALLY want for Fathers’ Day? A million things run through my mind, but I try to keep they all in a realistic context. 

As a father, what would I really like?

Well Dad, these thoughts flood my mind and here’s what I would ask for.

I want my girls to Remember.

I’d like them to remember to open a door for someone and be polite.

I’d like them to remember to listen more and talk less.

Remember to be strong but with empathy, temper their drive with patience, and balance work ethic with fun.

I want them to remember the courage of others that has allowed us to have the life we live today and be courageous themselves, but within the confines of wisdom.

I want them to remember the importance of truth when its not convenient, and honour when it’s not popular.

I want them to remember to be independent and think for themselves, yet be respectful of others and their ideas.

To take less and give more.

I want them to remember life is precious and short so live it accordingly.

And most of all, I want them to remember to pass all these important lessons along to their children.

So… this year dad, my gift to you is the same as mine.

I remember!

I remember all the lessons you so skillfully passed along, now in turn passed along to my girls. Perhaps not so skillfully as you did but lessons nevertheless crafted to guide them along the path to the great ladies they are and will become.

What better gift for a dad.

You have been gone a while now, Dad, and I miss you, but rest assured, I remember what you did for me.

Happy Father’s Day!

I Remember.