Father's Day 2013 and my Pop-Pop

I run into a lot of dads at my store.  Some very young, some old.  Many of them have had the privilege of taking their son or daughter fishing or hunting for the first time.  Some come in for sports equipment.  Some go shooting with their kids.  While their job is often ridiculed in this day and age (I mean have you watched a Disney sitcom lately?  The dad is basically a buffoon!) it is important.  This is true of grandfathers as well.

I want to tell you a story about my grandfather, who is now in his 100's.  He doesn't always remember our family, or even who he is any more.  I went to visit him a couple months ago and he asked what I did for a living.  I told him I owned a sporting goods store.  He saw my shirt with the logo and shook his head.   He is hard of hearing but has great vision, so I wrote on his dry erase board, "You gave me my first fishing rod"  He looked at me.  I wrote "it was a green Zebco rod and reel."  He said, "I remember that" in a tone of someone remembering something they had long forgotten, but not purposely.  I wrote to him that he had taken me fishing the first time I ever went.  He said, "I remember."  I wrote, "We didn't catch a thing!"  He chuckled.  I have to admit my eyes were watery at this point.  My grandfather was the first father figure I had.  He taught me to garden, to fish, to fix things, to be good to people and to be wise about my friends.  He is part of the reason I am the person I am today.  I followed him around like the paparazzi follows celebrities.  I am thankful for him and, as his time on earth nears an end, it is hard to see that hero so weak and frail.  It reminds me of the brevity of life, though.  If you are a dad, please, don't let work or any other thing be more important than your kids.  Life is so short.  No one ever said, "I wish I would have spent more time working" at the end of their life.  This Father's Day, let your kids know how much you love them and if you haven't up to this point, resolve to spend more time with them.

This Father's Day, Be A Dad!

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there.  I say dads, because there is a distinct difference in being a father and being a dad.  I am not saying this because it's my opinion.  I know for a fact.

My "father" never was a part of my life.  He decided to not be a part of my life right after I was born.  I remember talking to him one time in my entire life.  I also have no idea of what he looks like.  I never went fishing with him, played catch, learned a life lesson from him - other than be responsible for your children.

My "dad", on the other hand, came into my life when I was about 3.  He and my mom were married when I was almost 8.  He's everything my dad wasn't and I am so thankful that God gave me him.  He did play catch in the backyard with me.  He did teach me life lessons.  To this day, one of my favorite things to do with my dad is surf fish.

So men, be a dad this Father's Day.  If you haven't up to this point, please get involved in your child's life.  I can give you quotes and studies about how dads are important, but let's be honest, you know.  This Father's Day, give your kids a gift.  The gift of time spent.  The gift of saying "I love you" or "I'm proud of you".  Your kids will not forget it.

By the way, Happy Father's Day, Dad.  I love you!