Yesterday was Father’s Day. I remember when I was growing up I never knew what I could get my father that he would appreciate. My Dad never seemed to want any type of gadget or gift. If he needed something that he did not already have he would simply make it. Functionality was the watchword. He made our aquarium stand and our kitchen table. When I was very young and I accidentally burned down the pantry and caused smoke damage to the hallway and kitchen he took the opportunity to convert the hallway into a storage room and open up the kitchen to the dining room.

It seemed that every problem my father was presented was an opportunity to build something or fix something.

Being my father’s son I never expect anything myself for Father’s Day. This year however I received a very wonderful gift. A story from my daughter. She posted it on Facebook and since I don’t post all that much on Facebook I was not exactly sure how to respond. I just said, “Thanks for sharing that.” but I feel it a better acknowledgement to say a bit more on my own post.

I have always enjoyed time spent with my children, as any parent would understand. We have Mother’s Day to honor mothers, we have Father’s Day to honor fathers but we don’t really have a day that is dedicated to celebrating our children. Not only when they are very young but also when they grow up to be adults. Maybe it IS because they grow up to be adults.

When I read my daughter’s post one of the things I thought was, “When is Daughter’s Day?”  Then I realized there isn’t really such a day. It seems like an omission. I felt like saying, “Thank you.” but she was thanking me and “Your welcome.” felt selfish because I feel like I have gotten more out of the relationship than she has. So what I will say instead is: Thank you for allowing me to be your father.