Fathers Day came and went. It turned out very nice with an impromptu "brat fry" at our house and a "footrub" by the one who let me into her life 50 years ago.
For a moment, I can't resist being my Mother! She could lay a guilt trip on children with her "pity party" antics. You know, things like "no one ever comes to visit me any more". Or, "nobody cares". Well, four out of five Grasshoppers either called, visited or bought me a gift on Fathers Day. The one Grasshopper that forgot everything lives out of State (but I won't mention her name) and apparently is still "married to her car", camera and job. How is that for guilt treatment? Are you ready now for more? "It is okay if the Grasshopper in Minneapolis forgets Father day, I know she is a busy gal". Now the sincere part. I know she cares and I live someplace in her heart. She doesn't have to call!
My Dad has been dead 51 years. I can't even conceive all the things that he missed by dying early. I can't conceive all the things I missed.
I was struck by the recent death of Tim Russert, the announcer for NBC. He wasn't special to me or anything but he was a "visible icon" of the politcal news world. He was at the top of his game. He understood the special father/child relationship. He wrote a book about his blue collar roots featuring his Dad called "Big Russ and I". He had one son who just graduated from college. Here was a caring guy that championed family values. Then he dies unexpectedly from a coronary blockage at age 58. For some reason, he epitomized the type of person who came to realize what was important in life and he worked to enrich those things. Russert was denied the traditional retirement years and he seemed like a man that was looking forward to that time. Life is very, very, very fragile.
I know two Grandsons that lost their Dad on June 15, three years ago. Sunday marked the 3rd anniversary of that loss. It was ironic that the anniversary of his death was on Fathers Day. I can't imagine all the shared moments that will never happen.
The lesson Grasshoppers is that the important things in life are all around you and they happen every day. If you listen very closely, you can hear life talking to you!
Give your loved ones a hug.
Love,
Dad