Reflections on Fathers Day

In one way it was a fairly low-key Fathers Day for me, which suits me fine. A couple of funny cards, no obligatory store-bought gifts. I grilled some burgers and we enjoyed a family meal, something that I count as making me a most fortunate man. My wife and I have three sons ages 22, 18, and 13. I believe that I have a close relationship with each of them and that makes me feel like a success as a father, which is all that I really want and something that no one can give me.

In another way, it was a very emotional day for me. I was hardly able to talk without getting a catch in my throat. A lot has been going on that reminds me that life is a fragile and precious gift. Not the least of which is the knowledge that my sons are no longer boys. My oldest son is older now than I was when I got married. That certainly gives me pause for reflection and I think that may be the best thing for fathers to do on Fathers Day: take at least a few moments to reflect on how we are doing.

My father sent me a message recently with a passage written by Ruth Beebe Hill who asked: "will not each father look for the day when he sees his son walking beyond him?" As I think about each of my sons and where they are in the world at this point in their lives, I am amazed and proud at how much more mature, knowledgeable, confident, etc., each of them are than I was at the same age. I have a hard time trying to imagine what their world will be like when they reach my age, but I am confident they will each have made an impact to make it a better place. So, "thanks guys" for a good Fathers Day.

Resist the fear mongers, embrace freedom, celebrate life.