It my second father's day without mine. Today, I will remember him as this bigger than life figure in my life like only a daughter can.
My dad was not the best dad growing up. My parents' marriage was tumultuous at best with an undying love for one another mixed in there. Much like oil and vinegar. Strange but true my parents dated for years after the divorce, living seperately and happily for a while. My dad began making grand gestures most of the time involving his children but my mother didn't fall for them. They cut each other loose for good when I was about 18 and heading to college.
My dad took it bad and I didn't see him regularly for a couple of years. Then my mom died suddenly and my dad was now a single father of a large broad of children. He stood up to the plate humbly and greatly.
He became an attentive dad in our lives regularly and I loved and cherished every moment. He was there for the birth of my son, for most birthday parties and holiday dinners. He was a great dad. The other day I caught myself looking up his long winding road for his pickup. A tell tale sign he's home but instead their was a foreign vehicle in his parking spot. In that moment, I missed him dearly. Just a quick visit on my lunch hour, catch up as we sat in front of his blaring television of some hunting or fishing show. My dad was a man's man. An outdoorsman who spent many hours in the bush or at his cabin until the day he died. Sometimes, he had papers for me to read over for him other times he would complain about his sons. Sometimes, he would recount stories from his youth. All times I would sit there like a perfect daughter and listen.
But life goes on: we are born and we die. It's fact. What's even truer is today is a day to celebrate your dad whether he is here in flesh or spirit. Enjoy and have a wonderful day.
