I have reached an age where more and more of my friends are talking about how much they miss their Dad’s on Fathers Day.  One friend said, “I just wish I could hear my Dad’s voice today over the phone, but I lost him 15 years ago.”  Another has a fractured relationship with her father and said, “I wish I had a father on this special day.”

It reminds us to make every day count with your family.  Take the extra 5 minutes out of your day to pick up the phone and call.  Or give Dad an extra squeeze next time you hug him.  Me?  I was sitting next to my Dad on my brother’s couch on Saturday and reached up to rub Dad’s head.  He always loved when my sister would brush his hair and – apparently – he still adores a good old-fashioned scalp massage.   I hadn’t done that in at least 30 years.

In my own house, our aftermath is dealing with a grumpy husband who didn’t like us spending money on his gifts.  He got wind-chimes and solar-powered sidewalk lights.  I could have forced the girls to make him “coupons” for a free car wash or to trim the hedges, but actually getting them to honor the coupons wore me out just thinking about it!

How did you spend father’s day?  What did your kids do (if you have kids) to celebrate?

Photo of my brother playing with his one-year old on her birthday Saturday.