Happy 94th, Dad

My father just celebrated his 94th birthday. He lives in Boston so I called him to wish him Happiness. He's sharp as a tack and asked me about some current events he had read of in his news magazine. I had no clue because he's better read than I am about all that.

So I changed the topic and asked him how he was feeling:

"Oh, I'm slowing down quite a bit and I don't like that at all."

"I'm sorry to hear that, Dad. So, what are you planning to do for your birthday then?"

"I'm going dancing at a resort in New Hampshire for the weekend. You know that band I like? Well, they're playing and invited me to go and come back in their bus. I'm their oldest follower."

Does that mean my father's a groupie? At 94?

He went, he danced, he had a great time. You gotta love it!

Happy Birthday, Dad.

Dear John on Father's Day

Dear John,

When I thought of what gift to give you this day that celebrates fathers, I decided to give the gift of my thoughts, feelings and words.

In the time span of 33 years your fathering shines brightly. You have given of yourself to our daughter and now to our grandchildren in a selfless way. I have seen the times where you fought old messages, deep programing and unworthy examples to do this in an authentic way in tune with your values. You blazed new trails to do this and, yet, did it gracefully. I want you to know that I saw this and know some of the cost. I want you to know that I admire you and thank you for doing this. I want you to know that our daughter had a uniquely loving, supportive and graceful start as a result.

You did what you needed to do at every stage of your journey so far to become aware, grow and change to become your best self in relationship to those you love. I honor this choice of yours, I respect this choice in light of the difficulties you overcame to make it, I celebrate the father and man you've become in the process. And you're a fun Dad!

You often say: "When values are clear, decisions are easy." Yes, the decisions are easy but carrying them out is often not easy. Carrying out deep values demands more of us than we think we are able to give and then we find the resources to give it anyway. You've done that. I've watched you do that. I am inspired in that glimpse of how to be a best self to be better myself. I'm grateful for that inspiration.

So, Dear One, here's to you in this your loved role of father and grandfather. I salute you, I celebrate you, I love you. The happiest of father's days to you!

 
Hugs and kisses galore,
Mary