My friend, Kreg, posted about Father’s Day, so I felt
compelled to do the same.
Fathers in today's world are encouraged to be more active in
their children's lives than they might have been in the past. This is a good
thing. For myself, other than a few times over the last 25 years, like when I
was traveling, I didn’t miss too many events in my son's or daughter’s lives,
whether it was baseball, school programs, swimming, scouting, dance, acting
auditions, etc. Still, I know I have traveled and work too much, knowing that I’m
not as engaged with them while away.
I tucked my son into bed at night almost every day (until he
was old enough) and I still do this with my daughter, and she remains amazed
that I do this.
Just like Kreg, we have some simple “traditions” we’ve done together, too.
We’ve done the Free Comic Book Day for both kids (which started right here in
2002 at Joe Field’s Flying Colors Comics). We have been on trips (more
recently, just Julia and I) such as going up to our timeshare in the
mountains and having a “break” (but no breaks from shopping trips). I was just
as involved with my son, prior, with Scouts, Camping, etc. Eventually, he aged
out of scouting, but he became an Eagle Scout in the process, no small thing.
This year, the amazing trip has to have been to Disneyland,
with Julia. It was a 4 day whirlwind of a trip (which included 1 day at
Universal). I can’t say how much my feet hurt, because I’ve already forgotten J.
Lots of good memories were created
there. She’s even used some of them to create a little “newspaper” for her Journalism
class, what to see and do there, what some issues are, and what the most
beautiful parts are.
I know I am not perfect and I have said "No" too
many times, because we couldn’t afford it, because I was simply tired or
because I didn’t think it was something he/she should have or be involved with.
I know I should be more patient. I know listening is key. I regret terribly not
having done as much with my son as I’m trying to do with my daughter. I hope he
doesn’t think badly about me spending more time with her compared to when he was her age (they are 10 years apart in age). And I couldn't have been a prouder papa than when I had to say a "few words" at his Boy Scout Eagle Court. I look back at my own father’s life and how he helped to
raise me. He’s been my model and while he’s gone now and I’ll miss him
terribly, I always remember him as a good Father. I can only hope my own
children will remember me thus.
We always say, “enjoy them while you can” or “you never know when they will be gone” perhaps referring more to your kids and your parents,
respectively. I can assure you, I get it, and I hope you do, too. #FathersDay
