The Father’s Day Gift

Amy asked me what I wanted for Father’s Day. I pondered for a moment and pondered some more (I’m a proficient ponderer.)

I answered, “Nothing.”

Now I will admit, she hates that. She’s the kind of spouse who prefers decisiveness — something I am occasionally lacking. So I continued, “We just got back from a trip to New York City, which cost us a small fortune (and was well worth it).”

She has thrown out a few things she might get. I need glasses, which really aren’t a present per se — and eventually, we need to get another car. She ain’t buying me a car for Father’s Day. No red ribbons will be in my driveway.

But honestly, two weeks out, I really can’t think of anything I need. Why? Because I have three of the greatest sons I could ask for. All three of them are different from the other. And all three of them are brilliant in their own ways.

People ask me, “Do your kids draw?”

They don’t. But they are funny and creative. And the greatest gift they have given me is that they are excelling in their own passions. I love watching them soar in ways I never could.

They have grit, fight and are competitive. They take after their mother, of course. Lord knows they look like her!

I feel weird taking gifts on Father’s Day, because my three sons are the greatest gift ever given to me. They have changed me for the better. They taught me the power of unconditional love.

They made me a dad.

And that’s a present I get 365 days a year.

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One Response to The Father’s Day Gift

  1. k chapman says:

    MR, love your political cartoons, love that you love love, as in being a dad. saw that a few years ago i posted another thing written by you on father’s day. i met my own dad once. that was enough, still, i cherish the memories we made that one time, no matter how strange, wierd and far out. wrote a play about the meeting.this was 22 plus years ago, my traveling companion had a necktie mic. on, so we got it all in it’s beautifully candid absurdity. Celebrate yourself, your wife and kids, today and every day.

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