With Father’s Day approaching this weekend, I thought it appropriate to look at the unique and wonderful relationships we have not only with our own fathers but also with our children.
My daughters, Ashley and Crystal, are both adults now. No longer am I the authoritative parent, raising my daughters (with Wanda’s help, of course), teaching them and guiding them as I did throughout their childhood. Our relationships have changed. As a father of adult daughters, I have the privilege of sharing their lives, both the joys and the sorrows. At times, they will still seek my advice, but the decisions are theirs to make, right or wrong.
Our youngest daughter, Ashley, is an early childhood/special education teacher. You might recognize her from her recent commercials with Bryan Busby on KMBC Channel 9. She joined me on Monday for lunch and dinner, followed by a pleasant ride on the Gold Wing and several hours of conversation. We discussed nothing specific or earth shattering. We just enjoyed quality time talking about life, work and family.
Wanda is spending this week with her father in Clinton. We lost her mother just a year ago, and she greatly values the time with her father. Visiting and talking with him is truly a blessing, as it is with my mother Trudy and father Don, and with my birth mother Ann and birth father Arthur. As our parents age, the roles they have in our lives change. However, the importance they have in our lives never ends. This generation has wonderful memories to share and stories to tell of their experiences, their triumphs and their challenges. We learn from them, just as we hope our children learn from us.
When was the last time you spent time visiting and talking with your parents or children? While most of us will observe Father’s Day this weekend in one form or another, take advantage of the opportunity to spend time with your family. Time passes us by so quickly, and the opportunities for connecting with those we love are precious.
Hmm, I think I might drop in on my father in Warrensburg this weekend. Don’t tell him if you see him. I want it to be a surprise!