Thanks Pops

On Sunday, June 18, people around the world will rush last second to golf stores, hardware stores and card stores in order to make it look like we didn’t forget this arbitrary holiday ofFather’s Day created so golf stores, hardware store and card stores can fill the tough selling times between Christmas and next Christmas.

If your dad is anything like my father, he will appreciate the thought of a gift — but wonder about the cost involved.

To say that celebrating our dads is void of meaning because of the commercialism attached to this holiday would however be an incorrect fact.

I have now known my father for nearly 29 years, and truthfully in that time – we haven’t talked much about our feelings. From my, admitted not researched view, it seems that a non-vocal understanding of caring seems to be a common theme amongst father-son relationships.

To say I lack understanding of my father’s efforts would be in error. My father was a diligent worker for the Alberta government for 35 years until he retired last June, and not once did I hear him gripe about his job or the people he worked with – nor does he currently neglect his duties towards his family and extended family.

My family always had food on the table, (also thanks to my mother) and I have always had someone supporting me through the navigation of young adulthood … and he has always had someone to call him by his first name and give him a few more grey hairs each week.

In truth, living with me has likely been a teeth grinding affair at times for my dad. I often take too much pride in being contrary and obnoxious, and will often forget that other people might have something to say equally as interesting as the things I have to say. My dad, to his credit, has been patient and even has accepted that he will unlikely be right in my presence… at least not until after the fact.

What I’m trying to get at is being someone’s child is probably a pain in the rear end for a lot of people and that many of us are incapable of holding an emotional moment with our parents for over 30 seconds, but on Father’s Day – after you give him the putter he’s always never wanted – say something cool to your dad.