The month of June is all about dad’s – those that were lucky enough to be called that special word and those who never got a chance. It all culminates on the Fourth of July with the celebration of independence, starting in May with Memorial Day, leading into D-Day, Flag Day, and Father’s Day. For me, the “D” in D-Day is for DAD – two grandfathers that I remember served, along with a bio-father, the father who adopted me, and fathers-in-law. When I see an American flag, I think of the sacrifices they made for me, as part of millions of men and women who fought and died for our country. They all made it possible for me to be a father, stepfather, and grandfather. Thank you for your service!

I also think of all those young men that died in battle, never met the right woman, or couldn’t have children. They never got to be a Dad, one of the greatest gifts in the world. Some of them were lucky enough to own pets, another way to be a Papa. I’m dad to a schnauzer named Tally, with fond memories of Tinker, Roxie, Belle, Gizmo, and Smiley. I also lovingly remember the “kitty committee” that my wife brought to our marriage. (See Post #312). I also dare not forget that June is her birthday month and often inconveniently falls on the same day as Father’s Day. 

I got a new pair of Tommy Bahama swim trunks, a card, texts, and e-mails to honor my special day this year. Half my family on the West Coast isn’t even awake yet. I did my 5k run this morning in the rain, pulled some nasty weeds, started a load of laundry, and helped set up our upholstery cleaner – much more than I normally contribute on a Sunday. I await my favorite meals, sausage & eggs for brunch and a grilled cheeseburger with blue cheese dressing on a bed of lettuce for dinner. The much-needed rain continues to fall, as I settle in for an afternoon of baseball, reminiscing about a 2018 trip to the College World Series in Omaha (I’m wearing the t-shirt) and several Dad’s Days at Wrigley Field, with father and son.