Remembering Dad on Father's Day

After taking countless training classes in different parts of the country over the past 25+ years, this is the first time I wound up in North Carolina. So, on the morning of my first Father's Day since my Dad's passing, I ironically find myself sitting in a hotel room in Raleigh, a short distance from his hometown of Winston-Salem

Making small talk with some of the locals in the hotel lobby, their heavy southern drawls and friendly demeanor instantly made me think of my Dad. These memories kicked into high gear when I passed a beverage refrigerator in the hotel gift shop. Through the glass door, I saw a bottle of Cheerwine. I didn't know that they even made this stuff anymore. When I was a kid, every summer my Dad would take us to North Carolina to visit the relatives. On the way there , we would inevitably stop at a gas station or convenience store. My Dad would fish some spare change out of his pocket and send me over to the the soda machine. I would consider the usual Coke and Pepsi options. But almost always, I would hit the Cheerwine button. I haven't had one of these things in decades but it's comforting to know that it's still out there.

The effect of not having my father here today is quite heavy. I miss his rants about the Ravens. I miss seeing him shuffle though his newspaper clippings. I miss watching him come unglued and saying, "Dammit Kenny, you're missing my point!". I miss his impromptu lectures on the art of lawn mower repair (I used to love the way he referred to a carburetor as a "cobberator").  I miss his spontaneous visits to my house via his beloved Chevy pick-up truck. And I especially miss the family dinners at his house on Tuesday nights.  

Dad gave me plenty of good advice through the years. But there are two pieces that come immediately to mind. When I was younger (and much more hard-headed), he told me that you can't learn anything while you're lips are moving. He also told me that if you don't make mistakes, you're not doing much. They sounded kind of crazy back then, but I eventually figured out what he was trying to say.

As I progress through this day, I'll be thinking of my father often. I'm sure I'll get a little emotional at times. But I'll also be doing a lot of grinning as I remember all those great times that made him so special. I've accepted the fact that I'll never see him again. But he will always live in my heart through all of the memories. I plan to toast him later with that cold bottle of Cheerwine. Until then....Happy Father's Day, Dad.

kw