Father's Day

Today is the 100th anniversary of the first celebration of Father's Day (according to Sunday Morning on CBS).

Father's Day brings many memories, whether you are a father or a son or daughter. For me, Dad has been gone for almost two decades. Yet it seems like he was here just yesterday. I hear his voice every day. I see his influence every time I see or talk with his grandson.

I learned how to tell time while riding around with Dad. I was in first grade and just couldn't get the time thing - remember analog clocks? The big hand is on the one and the little hand is on the 6. But counting by 5's to get the minutes was beyond me. I don't remember how he taught me but by the time we got home, I knew how to count by 5's and how to tell time. It was so easy once he made me understand.

I remember the look of pride when I graduated from high school, the emotion in his eyes just before he took me down the aisle of the church to join my soon-to-be husband.

I also remember that he felt strongly you should give back. He gave countless hours to energize and vitalize Amarillo, TX. Long hours working to ensure young men would have a Golden Gloves opportunity. Young men that were at a crossroads - needing a "fatherly" influence in his life. The Lions Clubs International benefitted from his devotion to his community.

My dad never made a lot of money and he seemed to never have any time, but he was rich beyond belief. His life made him happy and helped others along the way.

His death after a very long bout with diabetes and its side effects - blindness, dialysis, kidney transplant, two leg amputations - was a double edged sword. I hated to see him go. But I knew he would no longer be in pain.

The real lesson for me is that you just don't realize what you have until it's gone. But the memories you make with even every day things - that's what stays with you.

Now his grandson is about to be a father. I know he will be making his own memories and this new life is a continuation of fathers and children.

Remember sometimes the mundane becomes the biggest memory. Thank you Dad for making memories with me.

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