Each year my children ask me what I want for fathers day and I've given them some sort of fatherly advice like: just be your best, keep your room clean, or save your money - not exactly the responses they were looking for; especially when they were teenagers.
My favorite gifts were always the ones they made for me when they were small. As they grew older, they would do their best to overcome my annual attitude,"you don't have to get me anything, just...(more fatherly advice)" They would put their heads together, attempt to read my mind for something I'd really enjoy, and then buy me a new tie. At the time, I thought that I was doing them a favor, but now I realize the folly of my thinking.
This year was different. I took some time to ponder their annual query and told them, "I'd like a fishing pole, an easel and some painting/drawing supplies." Picturing myself painting some idyllic scene while lazily fishing for Sunnys or Bluegills brought me into a calm and peaceful place. The stresses of life and running a business had been piling up and I realized that I needed to take some time to simply relax and unwind.
The sweetest piece of this story is that my children, now all in their 20's, saw the joy on my face and I on theirs, as I opened their gifts: a fishing pole, tackle box, easel and painting and drawing supplies.
Sometimes the smallest of events are the most lasting.
Thanks Kids...It's been a great day. I'm sorry it took me so long to learn such a simple lesson. Love Dad
