Don't Put Father's Day in a Box

It's that time of year. Father's Day will be here before you know it. You better run out to the mall on your lunch break and find something appropriate. Dad knows times are tough so we don't have to get anything too fancy. Ties and sweaters abound; this shouldn't take too long.

Yes get the gift at the mall. It doesn't matter if you go to Nordstrom, Sears, Target, or Wall Mart you will find a gift that Dad will be happy with. I'm a dad and I'll give you some inside information from the land of Dadhood. Dad will appreciate anything you get because you took the time to get it. That is the real value of any present. You went out of your way to find dad a gift for Father's Day and that's what will make Dad smile.

Now that you have a gift your job is done right? If you think so then maybe it is time to take a step back, sit down and remember Dad. Remember back to the days when you were young and what your dad did for you then. He was the guy that kept things together. He was your mom's partner and supporter. He protected you and worried over you when you sick. He took you to the park and on vacation. He taught you about sports and about life. Don't put Father's Day in a box; Dad deserves better.

Again this is inside information from the secret depths of Dadhood. The one thing that dads really want in the entire world is to see their children grow up health, happy, and with stable lives. We aren't looking for all of our children to be brain surgeons or astronauts; we just want to see you happy and stress free. If you really want to make Dad happy make good decisions in your life.

As far as Father's Day goes; the greatest gift you can give your dad is your time. Spend time on that Sunday afternoon talking to your dad about things you did together, about your childhood, and maybe tell him about a few escapades you might have snuck by him. You will be surprised how much he will enjoy it; especially the stories about the escapades. Don't stop there; sit out on the porch or on the deck; get him his favorite drink, ask him to tell you some stories. Ask him about something he hadn't talked about before. You may end up getting as much as you give.

My sons are all different and they all have their own way when it comes to Father's Day. They will all have a gift but the real gift is the gift of themselves that they bring. One visits when he can and he is always ready for a frank discussion and is truly interested in my opinion. Another is an excellent musician and he knows how much I love to play guitar with him. He has endless patience with his dad's limited talent and he always manages to teach me a new song. My third son has a wonderful imagination and has been the DM for our Dungeons and Dragons game for many years. He brings me stories to share and a love of writing that makes me smile. They all bring me love and respect and I couldn't be prouder of them.

Dads aren't high maintenance; and we generally don't complain much, but it really would make us feel great if Father's Day didn't just come in a box.