I dreamed of Daddy two nights ago. He stood at a distance from me, like at the end of a hallway, a big smile on his face. And then he was beside me, giving me a hug. We talked, but I don't remember what was said.
It was Daddy, circa 1980's or 1990's, strong and healthy, and then Mama was there, too, only I didn't recognize her at first because it was her 13-year-old self.
Dreams can be very strange, can't they? But also very comforting. I miss my mom and dad, but I woke with a sense that they are doing just fine.
I recently returned from a long visit with my mother-in-law, where I bumped into memories of Pop everywhere, from the carafe of chilled red wine in the refrigerator to games of cribbage and 3-13, and especially in the faces of his sons as they approach the age he was when I met him.
How blessed I've been to have such wonderful fathers in my life, including the father of my children. None were perfect, but parenthood is a "learn-as-you-go" adventure. They did the best they could. The important thing is that they let love guide them through the uncharted waters (because each child is a new and unique territory!)
You can't go wrong with real honest-to-goodness unconditional love.
In honor of Father's Day, here's a repeat of an old post, just because it's one of my favorites, along with this one and this one. I hope you like it, too, and I hope all of you fathers have had a wonderful day, with the love you've given repaid back to you.
What does a father do?
A father gives advice
A father nourishes the body
and soul
A father encourages
A father is joyful
A father reads
A father lends a hand
A father plays
A father offers support
A father sticks close by your side
A father makes memories
A father teaches
A father laughs
A father is gallant
A father proves age is just a number
A father reaches out
A father hangs on tight
A father helps you aim high
A father shows pride
A father sets a good example to follow
A father relaxes
A father listens
A father keeps you honest
A father helps out
A father loves
A truly rich man is one whose children run into his arms when his hands are empty.
~Author Unknown
