Father’s Day!  A day set aside to celebrate fathers and the special contributions they make to their children’s lives.   For years I have enjoyed this holiday as a day to have picnics, go out to eat, or visit my Dad with a gift and tell him Happy Father’s Day.  It was important that I talked with him and wished him a “Happy Father’s Day”  I also celebrated with my husband.  Making sure Neal honored his father on this special day.

Things Are Different

This year, things are a bit different.   I’m looking at Father’s Day much differently. My father passed away about a month ago.  We all miss him.  So today was a day for remembering the wonderful times we shared and honoring his memory.  It was a day of counting my blessings to have had such a loving father, and that my son has such a great dad too!   It was a day of gratitude for all my father sacrificed for his family and for all the extra time we had with him here on earth. (He outlived the Doctor’s expectations many times over.)  Thankfulness that my father had a relationship with God and was in heaven watching over us.

A Sign

My siblings and I were sort of dreading today.  Feeling sorry that our Dad wasn’t here to celebrate with us.  But it turned out to be a nice day of remembrance.

We started our day with church and then my son and I took my husband out for lunch.  My mom went with us.  As soon as we walked into the restaurant I noticed the bible verse on the chalkboard.   It was my Dad’s favorite verse.  “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  Philippians 4:13.  It was sort of like a sign from Dad saying he was OK and that we should be happy in our memories.

Celebrate Those Still Here!

We had a wonderful lunch.  I snapped this picture of Mike and Neal at the restaurant.  Neal is so fortunate to have Michael for a father.  He has always been a hands-on Dad and put Neal’s needs before his own.  So it was good to celebrate this special day with them.

This one was when we arrived home.

Then they headed to the ping pong table to have a round or two.  So glad they still enjoy spending time together.

Remembering Dad

Later in the day, we all got together at my Mom’s house for dessert and just some time with each other as a family.  We remembered some of the happy times we had in the past.  We talked about how our Dad had influenced our lives.  How he still lives on in us.  And yes, when my brother opened his mouth one time, I would have sworn it was David H. O’Neal talking!  The apple does not fall far from the tree in many instances.

It was a good day. It wasn’t near as sad as I thought it might be.   I’m glad we got together.  I think we all felt Dad’s presence and knew he was happy we were together.  He was with us in spirit.

As we were cleaning up, I snapped this selfie of my mom, sister, and myself.  (Poor lighting, but wanted to include it)

God’s Greatest Gift Is Family

We miss Dad and will always love him.  We can’t let the sadness of him being gone keep us from celebrating the important things in life.   Dad always felt “God’s Greatest Gift Is Family.”  We can honor him by remembering family and all the blessings each of them bring to our lives. I’m sure he was sitting in heaven with a big smile on his face as he watched over us today.

If your father is alive, I hope you spent time with him today, either on the phone or in person.  Please reach out to those you love and tell them how much you care while they are still on this earth.  I am so glad all of our family was able to do that many times over while my Dad was here.  If your father is in heaven,   remember how special he was and how he contributed to the wonderful person you are today.  Reflect on the memories!

Happy Father’s Day!  We love you Dad!

Other posts about my Dad you might enjoy:

I Miss My Dad!

He’s No Longer Here To Enjoy Father’s Day