Fathers Day: the third Sunday in June appointed for the honoring of fathers.
Well that’s what Webster’s Dictionary describes it as…but for many of us it is more than a day on the calendar set aside to honor fathers. There are some, who never knew who their father was and those who did, but never had a father that took an active role in their lives.
I was most fortunate not only to have a father, but I have to this say, I have a DAD! A dad is more than just a father, he is someone who expresses his love for you through his deeds and actions. He can be a trusted adviser, friend and even disciplinarian when the time warrants.
My father set an example for me to follow, as well as the courage to follow my dreams. I felt so empowered that I took on the challenge of following in his footsteps, being the second generation of our family to serve our country…joining the United States Air Force as he had right out of High School.
He supported my interest in aircraft, which eventually lead me to scale modeling. Or was it the other way around? When I wanted to learn to fly as a teen, my dad found a way for it to happen. We’ve even shared careers after the military, we’ve worked together along with my sons at a local hardware store. Three generations working side by side, fathers and sons together.
Which was admired by coworkers and customers alike.
Some of our most pleasurable times were such simple things as going out for the occasional breakfast together. Visiting hobby shops in search of an elusive model. Attending air shows, walking the grounds in search of a rare little known aircraft that carried a military cargo designation. As well he could be counted on as my co-pilot while we took to the air for some flying fun.
My dad has always been available to lend a hand to help with a project that needed an extra set of hands. He’s eager to ride along to keep me company while on a business trips, which we always find something of interest to both of us to stop and visit. Read: A Great Way To Spend A Friday
So take the time to show your father how important he is in your life. Take your dad out for a meal or just show up to help him with a project. Or even just sit and chat! If you are too far away, be sure to call and make his day.
If I don’t say it enough…Thanks Dad! Happy Father’s Day!
A note about the pictures…in the first one, this is my dad standing in front of the military aircraft he ever saw first hand, a C-82 Packet. Middle photo is my dad on duty at Pease AFB, NH. The last picture was taken at EAA ‘97 in front of a now rare C-82!
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June 13th, 2008 at 10:58 am
A most touching and heartfelt tribute. Unfortunately, my dad has been gone for over 20 years and I still miss him - oftentimes alot. Lung cancer took him at 47 years old and as I approach that age I think how my kids would be affected by my “not being there”. I’m so glad that I was able to get to know him almost as an adult but at the same time, wish I could have asked him so many questions, shared so many things with him, wish his grandchildren could have met him! Thank you Gerry for your tribute and I wish you and your dad a wonderful Father’s Day!
Bob Kremer
June 13th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
Thanks Bob! Even though your dad has passed, you continue to honor him through your efforts as a dad to those two boys of yours!
June 15th, 2008 at 10:05 am
I’d like to share some thing special,
For over 20 plus year my father did’nt speak or visit me when he came up from Florida thanks to 3 bothers and sisters who are very disfuntional.They said things to him that we’re not true.I found this out from my dad himself.He and his wife moved back up to the Ripon two years before his death. One day he called me up and asked me to come over to his place for Christmas” I was very surprise and very happy that he did” to give my wife and I our gifts.
During the five hours that we we’re at my dad’s house,my dad and I had the most down to earth chat for four of the five hours and we both discovererd a lot of lies,and most of all, getting to now each other.We had the greatest two years before his death. I’m happy to say that I was the only one to see the love and truth in his heart and I was the only child for him to say I love you to me.My step mother told me that at his funeral. What a joy for every child wanting to hear from a father who put up the tough man bit for his kids that he love you and showed it.Out of us five kids,I am very greatful to see the real man in my dad.
For the the last two years of his life,I found it a honor to help him with his medical and what other needs he had and not exspect anything back for him,not even a thank you. The greatest thing he ever gave me in my 47’s was the real him. I will never forget the last two years that we had together.It’s the greatest thing that happened to me besides cutting umbelical cord when he was born.
Happy fathers everybody.I hope you like my story about my dad and I.
Brian