Father’s Day From A Father’s Perspective

Father's Day is this Sunday (617/).  Once I became a father, my perspective of the day radically changed.

As a kid, my father was certainly not the sentimental card kind of guy.  He was an "old school," battled-hardened Marine, who didn't have time for hugs and hand holding; not to say that he didn't care or wasn't capable of showing his feelings. He came from another era, where hard work was the name of the game.

It's been 20 years since my father passed, so I've had quite a bit of time to wonder what he would think about my role as a father to my daughter - a grandchild that he never had the opportunity to know.

My daughter, now 16, is moving as we all did, into "young adulthood" at a fairly normal pace, which means that Dad, (and his opinion) isn't nearly as important as he was just a few years back.  One of the many things I am thankful for is the ability to watch her grow up. From the first cards and color book drawings that were given to me as presents to more recent hand tools and clothing items, the best present I still receive from her is her heartfelt, "I love you , Dad." As a father, there's nothing better.

To all of the Dads - I hope all of you  have a great day with your children, no matter what their age.