Gee: The one Father’s Day I will always remember

I found myself being selfish today, because of Father’s Day coming up on Sunday. My father is no longer here, so this holiday is bittersweet. Yes, I’m a father, but honestly it’s hard for me to enjoy because all I can do is think about my dad.

I was able to spend 39 Father’s Days with my dad, but there is one that stands out the most.

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In 2015, I put together a Father’s Day Symposium. It was simply an opportunity to celebrate fathers from all over. There were about 150 dads and their kids that came to this event, including my dad.

There was a lot of storytelling and messages about the importance of dads going around at the symposium.

Later that night, my dad told me how proud he was of me. He said that seeing me speak was the greatest Father’s Day gift that I had ever given him. He said, “Champ, when you were speaking to the crowd, you were also talking to people who no longer have their dad here anymore. Father’s Day is about those who are here, and those who aren’t here anymore. I’m just glad I was here today to see this. Great job son.”

That was the last Father’s Day I spent with my dad. It was his last. He died seven months later.

So on this weekend, I say happy Father’s Day to all the dads who are still here, and to all of those who aren’t. My heart goes out to those who are hurting during this holiday because someone important to them is no longer here.

We only have a short time here on Earth, but as long as our name is said or printed, we live on forever.

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