The Perfect Gift… For Me Anyway
I do not remember the topic of “gifts for Dad” being discussed on the news so much as I have in the last 24 hours. Reporters interviewing passersby getting responses such as the cliche “ties” or “coffee mugs.” I have always made it real easy for my daughters when it comes to gifts for me, regardless if my birthday, Christmas, or Father’s Day. All I really want is time with them. Time is the most precious and personal gift anyone can give. And for anyone who is not able to celebrate Father’s Day with their Dad, like me, we always wish that we had more time with him.
During my daughters younger years, there were plenty of purchased Father’s Day gifts. But the gifts that I always treasured, and still have to this day, are the school projects that they made themselves, perfectly timed to be done before school ended for the year.
But halfway through their childhood, that is when “time” became the most important gift they could give me. I had filed for divorce, and that meant that material things no longer mattered to me. As per the custody order, yes, that had to be specified, I would get to see them on Father’s Day weekend. Time. I did not need anything material, though that still did not stop thoughtful gifts from coming in over the years. Like I said, I have all their “gifts” they made me in school, but it is a 500 photo album that I received last year, and filled to capacity, that still brings me joy, being able to look back over the past nineteen years.
And now, as they both have their 2023-2024 collegiate year planned out, which does mean that I will have less opportunities to spend with them, albeit this is only temporary while they are in college, it makes “time” with them even more special and important. This morning, they are both on an early flight down to spend the week with me, as has been the custom for the last many years. It will be a fast week, and fast paced, as there is a lot to do, both fun, and the typical “work”, now making sure they are as prepared for adult things that need to be dealt with.
The greatest joy I get, or gift I receive, is watching my daughters laugh, share, and work with each other, loving each other. This is truly a gift, and all that I could possibly ask for on Father’s Day.
Paul's Heart 