Well, it's another Father's Day. As Kelly and I prepare to go over to a friend's to visit and celebrate (brisket and good company) my thoughts naturally drift to my own father who passed away a year and a half ago. He was a loving and kind man, full of compassion and wisdom. I think of my friend's father, as well, who shared those same qualities and treated me as an adopted son, as well. Part of me also realizes that not everyone was as fortunate as me and my friend and my heart goes out to those who either never knew their father or wish they didn't. My own father's father was a drunkard and abusive husband who flagrantly cheated (when Dad got older, he would defend my grandmother from him).
To me, Father's Day isn't just a holiday but a reminder .... a promise to be kept. I was fortunate. My father broke the cycle (I don't know if my great-grandfather was as bad - I don't know him, at all).
I also realize that there are children out there whose fathers (and mothers) are their literal shield from danger and lifeline when, otherwise, all hope is lost (areas like Syria or many countries south of the U.S. border).
Dad, fortune smiles on me and you are a major part of that. I miss you and will always try to be like you (til the day I die).
