Just Another Day

I vote that we skip Father's Day.

I miss Dad.

This morning I played the piano for the church service in Big Valley - I had first gone to this church with Dad ...

I drove up to Edmonton and got to spend some prime time with Dad's youngest grandson, Levi, the one he never got to meet ...

Siblings exchanged photos and memories.

It's not the same.

And the sadness is not confined to just me: there are those men who are suffering from not being able to speak to either their father or their children. A pain sandwich on the day everyone traditionally goes out for lunch or dinner!

I got a beautiful letter from my friend Ilona this morning. She misses her darling Phil.

A dearly beloved family member lost his dad when he was about six.

Another friend sent a note this week: her dad's cancer has returned.

It's just a tough day all around.

But back at the ranch, a father's day gift:

The babies from last year came to check things out and to nicker their own father's day message to the man who loves them and plays with them every day. 

And there are all the dads and kids who got to spend time together today in the bright outdoors, prodigal sunshine spilling into cracks on the sidewalk and spattering Pollock-like on the greys of barn board and drab concrete, transforming them into fleeting works of art.

I'm reminded once more of the little Bible verse where God promises to be a father to the fatherless. I'm reminded of the story of the prodigal son.

I'm reminded of the awful time period where a son hung on a cross and his father could not look at him - the evil of the situation was too severe.

I'm indeed grateful to have been raised by one of the great ones. 

If it takes a dreary day to remind me of my myriad blessings, so be it!

Happy Father's Day ...