A Father’s Day Run

I had a great Fathers day the other Sunday. I started out with breakfast in bed that was delivered by my bride of 38 years. It included a delightful good morning smile and kiss. I could stop here because being married to me for 38 years and still having a wonderful wife that has loved me through a many of a trial, is enough of a good story in and of itself. Since I am however long winded I will continue with the reporting of my morning activities.

 Next up was a 10 miler under a clear sky and only a moderate humidity. The old legs felt pretty good and for the first time in quite a while I didn’t feel like I was nursing an ongoing injury. I knew the day was full of potential to be a special one. How bad can your day be when you have already had breakfast in bed? It was fabulous, but not for the reasons you may be thinking. Oh, I had a great run. I finished up with a good pace, no pains, no snakes, (see prior blog) and energy left over to burn. It was a great morning because of the insights I discovered while on my run. Imagine that.

 I started to ponder about Fathers day and what that actually meant. A special day set aside once a year to make a dad feel important. I wondered how many dads were spending their special day away from their children; alone. Maybe because of work, maybe an ugly divorce, maybe a broken relationship with their child that had caused the separation. These thoughts caused me to question all of my own past fathers days. How many of them had I blown through without realizing how important that relationship was with my three daughters. I can remember on numerous occasions receiving wisdom from older parents to take the time to enjoy my girls, “They will grow up very fast”. I can tell you that you do not really get a do over with your children when you make mistakes. I wish I had taken their advice more seriously. My daughters are all grown now. I even have two grandsons. I think I had some great days with my daughters. We made trips to see Mickey, the circus, the lake, the beach etc. The thought that occurred to me however was, I could have, should have done more.  Our time here really is short when compared to eternity but our time here is still important. I have made the statement many times to others that I am just passing through here. That is usually my thinking when the trials of life weigh heavy on my heart or soul. But we should remember that it is still what you make of that time, which matters, especially to your children. I had made improvements I think over the last couple of years to attempt to be more available to my daughters but it occurred to me on this father’s day, you don’t get a do over even when your children are older. I sensed a need to want to do more or be a better dad even if my girls were all grown up. I don’t have an exact answer for how I am going to achieve what was laid on my heart that morning. I just don’t want to be having the same conversation with myself next fathers’ day. You see now that it was a great day because of the insights received while on the road. Something to hopefully make me a better person, a better dad and realize fathers’ day was important because of what I learned. I would recommend you not delay enjoying your children while they are young. Take advantage of being a dad. So, lace them up, get out there, and think about it. The clock is moving.