Well...it's that time of year again.
And since I'm not a Mom yet (ie: I have no father of my children to celebrate)...my Father's Day revolves solely around Dad.
UGH!
Still as bittersweet as always. I miss him dearly and keep catching myself in eminent tears in reaction to some of the most random things. Okay, so those moments seem completely random to perfect strangers...but they're not as random as you might think.
Picking blackberries, making apple pies, walking along a river that looks like the Buffalo...biting into a juicy piece of watermellon (did you know that during his last year, he couldn't get enough of the stuff?), hearing some CCR on the radio, seeing kids run up and jump into their Dad's arms...heck, even the At&t commericals are starting to get to me on occassion.
I'm not 'sad' anymore. Well, yes I am...but you know. It's that whole 'can't do anything about it so don't dwell on what could have been' mentality. I'm trying to be more optimistic and positive about what he left us with now-a-days.
Because of the impact he made on my life...
I know that when I have kids, you'd better be damn sure:
*that they're going to spend plenty of weekends camping or canoeing...
*that they'll get pancake breakfasts and bisquits and gravy on a whim...
*that they won't be spoiled, but know that they are loved and not afraid of hard work to earn a living...
*that they'll know how to drive a stick-shift and change their tires before getting their license on the open road...
*that they'll know how to swim by the time (if not before) they can walk!
*that they won't be afraid of adventure! And know the value of a single day
*that they'll know what fireflies are and catch a few in their lifetime (we don't have 'em in CA, unfortunately..but there will be vacations back East, I'm sure :)
*that they'll understand kindness and patience with every soul on this earth. Children, Adults, Animals...and bugs. There's no reason to smash it if it's not a danger...let it live it's life. You can't see the big picture from here
*that they'll always be willing to help a friend (and safely help strangers) simply to feel the warmth of a good heart- no 'reward' required.
I could go on and on and on and on.
Thanks for being my Dad, Dad.
And thanks to all of you guys for helping me carry on his legacy. I'm proud to call you family :)
OH! I almost forgot...
I know it might seem silly to get Dad a Father's Day present when, well...you know...
But....
http://www.heifer.org/card2.asp?icard=nlKTI6PPJdLULePOJaLZIjNVJeLZJfMWKxEDad,
There's some bunnies, chickens, and a grove of trees out there in your honor now; feeding, providing shelter & encouraging education for some deserving kids. I figure that's better than a fruit basket, eh? :)
