Father's Day 2022

Dad and Mom at my house, 2021

 I'm so glad that we have special days in the year to acknowledge the good people and events in life. On Sunday, we'll acknowledge all who have played the father role in our lives--our biological dads and others who have been there for us throughout life. 

Today as I think of my dad and the celebration to come, I'm remembering the good times we've shared for all of my 63 years. 

Early Memories

In my first years, my family lived in a three-decker house in Worcester, Massachusetts. My grandparents, Nana and Papa, owned the big grey house and lived on the first floor. We lived on the second floor. There was a lot of joy at that home. My earliest memories of dad include sitting on a big red chair in the corner of the living room watching television together. I remember watching The Beatles on the Ed Sullivan show. I also remember driving Dad to work on days that Mom wanted the car. Once we got pulled over by a policeman, and when he saw the car full of kids in pajamas, he didn't give us a ticket. I think my mom missed a stop sign. And, of course, there were many adventures including trips to local zoos, parks, museums, beaches and mountains. We had many, many joyful, simple family adventures that included hikes, sites, rides and picnics. 

Elementary School

Dad was invested in my education. I remember when he brought home books for us to read and helped me with my science projects. He attended school functions, taught CCD, celebrated our special events and carefully planned all kinds of outdoor adventures during his lunch hours at the local library. Some of my favorite adventures included mountain hikes, New England trips, bike hikes, beach trips and summer week-long vacations at Cape Cod. He definitely fostered a love of the outdoors and adventure in all of his children. 

The Teen Years

Our family at my grandparents' 
50th Wedding Anniversary

During the teen years, our small cape house filled with two parents and six kids was a somewhat chaotic situation since there was a lot of energy in that house with people moving in multiple directions including school, sports, friends, jobs and other obligations. I remember one of my dad's customers visiting the house at a moment when we were all sitting around the kitchen table and the baby of the family had a heap of mashed potatoes on his head. It was a funny scene and characteristic of the busy, full house we were living in at the time. During these years, Dad continued to encourage our education, plan wonderful adventures and support our multiple activities and interests with good counsel and other kinds of support. At the same time, he and mom were doing a lot for our grandparents and other family members. They, like my aunts and uncles, kept our big, loving, energetic extended family close with holiday celebrations and regular gatherings to skate, play hockey, go sledding, ride bikes, swim, climb mountains and more. 

College

Dad always preached that we should all go to college and he did everything he could to make sure we did that. While he chose to work rather than attend college, all six of his children graduated from college and many attended graduate school as well. While I was in college, Dad attended special events, hosted my college friends and provided lots of counsel and care when I met with college challenges. 

First Jobs and Graduate School

Dad bailed me out a few times when money was low. He and Mom were also very supportive and discerning too as we ventured out on our own to choose careers, attend graduate school and work in a variety of jobs. They continued to foster family closeness with holiday celebrations, visits and continued healthy adventures in natural settings throughout New England. 

Grandparents

As grandparents, my parents made every effort to attend my children's significant events including their births, christenings, birthday celebrations, graduations, sports events, shows and more. They have been active grandparents who always leant a hand to help out when they could. 

Mentors

In so many ways, my parents have mentored me throughout life. I've learned a lot from the way they lived life and the advice they have given me over time. My dad's wisdom often came through via family discussions at the dinner table, references and discussions about news articles, examples of hard work, good values, honesty and commitment, and storytelling during times of strife or confusion. I remember one time when I really wanted to be in love, he put his arm around me and told me the story of an aunt who felt similarly--the story recalled how my aunt, at one time, really wanted to be in love too, and then she met my uncle. That warm story told to me on a winter day in Boston Common brought me hope at a time of loneliness. Also after dating my husband for years, my dad was the one to push us along towards marriage. At one point, he said to me, "It's time," and when I relayed that message to my then-boyfriend, he agreed and we got married. 

Dad and Mom always put generosity ahead of most choices in life. They have always been generous with their money, time, energy and capacity. Not only have they been there countless times to help me and my family when we needed extra support, but they've been there for all of my siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and friends too. Both Mom and Dad have always gained great satisfaction in helping others--that brings them great joy, and in turn, helps to create joyful lives for others too. 

Now in their ninth decade, Mom and Dad are teaching me how to age with grace, generosity, joy and patience. When I'm with them, I'm constantly reminded about what's important in life as well as the need to meet adversity with strength, an open mind, perseverance and positivity. 

Gratitude

I am fortunate to have had a good dad for all my life. I look forward to celebrating his great gifts to me over time tomorrow with family members at a backyard cookout. I wish all the dads out there a Happy Father's Day!!!  Dads play such an important role in our culture--they have the potential to truly empower the children and others that they love and care for. It is a great vocation to be a wonderful, loving, positive father in people's lives. I'm so grateful to have experienced this.