Father's Day

I have been a father since November 6, 1987, with the birth of our daughter, and then on April 21, 1991, with the birth of our son.  I am also a son, son-in-law, brother, uncle, grandfather, and most importantly a husband. Lots of relationships, connections, memories, and future experiences. Just like many of us these days.

On this Father’s Day weekend, we gathered for my oldest brother's internment and memorial service at Westminster where we all went to school. Our family, or as my wife often says, our tribe, gathered. Nephews and nieces who I think of as small children show up as adults and now with partners and spouses. I wonder where the time goes. Wasn’t it just yesterday when I graduated, with my family present?  

I sit in the same pew I sat in 53 years ago and listen to his grandchildren and his children talk about their father/grandfather and his impact on their lives, I think about my own legacy and wonder what and who will speak at my memorial. Time rolls like that ever-rolling stream we sing about in the hymnals. I listen and reflect on their words about fatherhood. It is hard not to well up with tears.

Father’s Day does not exist without family. No family is perfect; we all have our issues, but even with flaws, they are what sustain us at the most fundamental level. I take comfort when the tribe gathers, I take comfort that when my time comes, the tribe will still gather, stories will be told, and new experiences occur. What matters is that we gather, we stay in touch, we talk, we support, we honor traditions, and we create new ones. We continue to move forward based on our values and our common legacy and history.  And for all of this, I am grateful.

And that, my fellow Dad’s, is the true meaning of Father’s Day.