I always thought I had an odd relationship with my dad. It was unconventional just because of the way life happens sometimes. He didn’t live with us or even nearby for the majority of my life. We didn’t even have much of a relationship at all until after I graduated from high school. But in the past ten or twelve years we had grown close. He was very open and honest with me and knew he made mistakes in his life. In some ways he didn’t grow up until he was well beyond the age of being an adult. He knew this. I knew this and I accepted it. I accepted him the way he was, just as he accepted me as I am. We were friends and I loved him for himself. Today I miss him more that most days, it’s my first father’s day without him. Not that I always knew where he was when this day rolled around in the past, but at least I knew he was. Now I know he is gone, even if it’s to a better place and that makes me a little sad today.

When my husband wanted to drive an hour to see his dad I didn’t mind. I think the world of my father in law. I always have. We had a nice ride, nice family time, good food and made a few memories with Pops and his abundant garden. Now that his is retired he has all the time he wants to spend doing what he enjoys, keep it up, Pops!

My girls are lucky they have a wonderful dad who goes out of his way to make sure they have what the need (and most of the time what they want) but more than anything he spends time with them, takes them places, does fun stuff, encourages them to be polite and well mannered. They love him even when he makes them toe the line. He is always there for them no matter what. They know this. I know this. Happy Father’s Day, baby. I love you.