10 Father's Days

Every year on Father’s Day, we take the time to honor our fathers and father figures within society. We celebrate the influence they have had upon us and show our appreciation for them.

10 Father’s Days have come and gone, where we no longer do this for you dad.

10 Father’s Days have passed, without wishing you, “Happy Father’s Day” and contemplating what to purchase for you.

You set the bar remarkably high, as a parent. I never questioned your love or your devotion, and you constantly put us first. You only wanted what was best for us and helped in any way possible.

10 Father’s Days, and I remember buying you several varieties of shirts - dress shirts, golf shirts, casual shirts. Long sleeves/short sleeves. You were always grateful and beamed in appreciation. You never asked for anything, and never set any expectations.

10 Father’s Days and thinking about what to buy for you is not something I can do any more, and that makes me sad.

10 Father’s Days and it sounds repetitive to say, “I love you”, “I miss you”, but I do. We all do.

10 Father’s Days and your name, and your legacy are still remembered by family and friends. You may be gone, but no one has forgotten the traits that set you apart from the rest, such as your compassion, loyalty, pride and respect you had for others. And your laugh – everyone remembers your contagious laugh, that always brightened our days. I recall that laugh, even now after so many years.

10 Father’s Days and it saddens me that you can’t watch your four grandchildren grow, from toddlers to teenagers and eventually, to adults.

What have I learned from these past 10 Father’s Days?

We continue to move through the motions of life, not able to see or talk to you. Yet, we all feel like we will. But then it hits us that you are never coming back, and a wave of sadness overcomes us, when we realize that.

There are instances when we feel like we are enveloped in darkness but then our memories help us to move forward, and into the light once again. It’s the memories that matter, and our ability to recall the sweetest and most cherished moments with you.

10 Father’s Days, and I am comforted, knowing that our memories will always be in our thoughts, and in our hearts. I hold these memories close and will carry them with me, as we

continue our journey in life.

10 Father’s Days and we no longer purchase a gift for you, but you are always with us.

Forever.

Love you, dad.