“Hey honey, would you come into the kitchen?” This was how I was greeted as my bride was standing there with a cup of the very best coffee I have ever sipped. But there was someone else standing next to her that was unexpected. It was my daughter, Tara, all the way from Las Vegas. She decided to surprise me a few days early to celebrate Father’s Day.
To be honest, I knew that Sunday was Father’s Day. I circle all the important days of the year on our kitchen calendar. I use red ink on all the really cool days like Father’s Day and black ink on the days that seem to come around a little too often, like my birthday. Father’s Day is the best for me because I don’t have to remember the date and my family always manages to make it a special day for me.
This year turned out to be even more special than usual because of my daughter and the family I have. I had just drank my coffee and combed my hair (one is not dependent on the other). I was mumbling to myself that these darn days seem to come faster and faster every year.
Tara and my son-in-law Eric moved to Las Vegas in February, so it’s been awhile since I’ve seen her. She arrived on Thursday and we were able to catch up, but before we could continue our conversation, I turned the corner and I almost bumped into my grandson, CJ. I do not relish the idea of bumping into my grandson. If you were to meet him you would understand; he stands around 6’4”. In any case, I was fortunate to be able to jump back and then grab him in a big hug. Any hug from him is big. But if that weren’t enough, he had a little guy with him, my great-grandson, Armani. He is such a great kid and manages to make us laugh constantly. In any case, I stepped back and asked what they were all doing here. They all said they came to celebrate with me. How do you think that made my feel? Like a million bucks.
When Tara was a little girl, her mother and I decided we weren’t meant for each other. No animosity or disdain. In fact, Lorraine always said how much she admired Tiffany and me for always putting Tara first. So we went our separate ways, and my daughter was left in the middle, as so many children are when their parents separate.
My daughter became my shotgun rider. I had a special seat made so she could ride with me in my pickup and see over the dashboard. She was with me anywhere I went. She is grown now and her children are grown, but we always remember those days when she was with me. Her seat is still in my pickup, and when I drive it I always remember our time together. Although she has her own car now. which is a Tesla, I’m not jealous at all.
Spending the past few days with a full house sure showed me how much I miss everyone. When Saturday rolled around, the kids surprised me again. “Get dressed, Dad,” Tara said. “We are going to Monterey for dinner.” “Where?” I asked. Tarpy’s, of course. It has become our favorite restaurant dating back to the days when Lorraine was selling wine. This had been a meeting place for our family for many special occasions.
So, Tara, who is the planner, had made reservations for our family to have an evening of togetherness and love. Lorraine wanted it to be just the kids and me, so off we went. When we arrived, Austin, Reed and Taylor were all there. I could tell that we were going to be a happy table. Everything was set up and I felt like a king. I hope we weren’t too loud, but that’s expected from this family. We laughed, we cried and I couldn’t believe that all these great humans came from me. I am so proud of each and every one of my kids, grandkids and the great-grandkids. The only thing that would have made it perfect was if Kyleigh, my granddaughter, would have been there. Who knows, maybe next year we can all meet in Las Vegas?
When we arrived back in Gonzales, we noticed that a tent had been set up in the house behind us for a birthday celebration. While we had been having a wonderful evening, we certainly didn’t relish an evening of loud music. I had spoken to the neighbor earlier in the day and they had told me that they would do their best to hold it down. Much to our surprise, the party behind our house had settled down and whatever music was left was joyful.
My daughter left this morning to head back to warmer climates. She seems happy to be living over there and has been offered a great opportunity when she gets back. She is happy, and what greater gift is there to know that your child is happy and our family is healthy?
So another Father’s Day has come and gone. This one will go down as one of the best. My family continues to surprise me and show me love everyday. I am grateful and blessed. Today I can’t help but think of my Pop who taught me how to be a man. It’s a lot harder than it seems. Also Lorraine’s Dad, who gave up everything to come to another country and learn another language for the woman he loved. Both men worked hard for their families to provide a better life. They were both good men.
So as I finish up today, I would like to honor Buck Worthy and Eric Pedrazzoli, two of the greatest dads I’ve ever known. God Bless them both for their courage and love.
God Bless.
