Sunday, June 16, 2013

Father's Day

Today is Father's Day in the U.S.
Sure, it's a made-up holiday, but I'm especially grateful for the chance to celebrate today.
Four weeks ago tomorrow, my dad went to have his heart checked and the doctor sent him immediately to the hospital for surgery. He didn't want to do anything to risk the heart attack that he thought should have already occurred. Dad had a triple bypass and a new valve, and yesterday he and my mom arrived in Ohio, so I got to see them.
Other than the tracks of a scar up the middle of the chest, he seems like the same dad.
I filled out his father's day card this morning. It has a picture of a little girl's red sparkly shoe stepping on a man's shoe and it talks about memories.
To me, that shows our father-daughter relationship. He was big and safe. He'd take care of me.
Neither of us have been perfect in our roles, but here's what I signed on the card:
Dad, there has never been a moment in my life when I doubted that you would be there for me. I can't think of a better gift to give a child. 
So, I'm happy to celebrate father's day with my dad.
Of course, I also lucked out in the husband department. And, although he and I may not parent the same way all the time, we both have good relationships with each of our kids. He's a good father to them.
Happy father's day, Earl, and thanks for coming along on the journey with me.


3 comments:

Anne in Oxfordshire said...

Lovely to read that your dad is ok, and recovering well from his surgery ,, :-) and that you can celebrate with him too,.xox

(Diane) Bibliophile By the Sea said...

I'm glad your dad is doing well.

Ali said...

So glad that your dad is doing well after his surprise surgery. Sounds like that was a close call!

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