Father’s Day is right around the corner. The day set aside to honor the man who gave us life.
Have you noticed dads often take a back seat to moms? Moms tend to get all the glory while fathers are behind the scenes waiting in the wings. They are the support cast who without, the show would certainly not go on. And, they rarely ask for the spotlight.
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What will you be getting your dad this Father’s Day?
This can be a tricky question depending on the relationship we have with our dads. Sometimes, a tie or gift card to Home Depot works just fine.
But, what if that just isn’t enough?
What if there really isn’t a present that represents the gratitude you feel for this man? That tells him how much you appreciate his silent strength. A gift that shows how important it was to know he was always in your corner; that he believed in you. How much you worry about him as he ages. Something that conveys your desperation in wanting to spend time with him as the sands sift through that narrow opening of the hourglass.
It’s difficult to find a tangible gift to represent so many intangibles.
I’ve decided that what is required to express all these sentiments is something equally as intangible.
The gift of time.
“The trouble is, you think you have time.” Buddha
Time.
It’s one of those things in life that gets taken for granted.
But, one of our most precious resources. The thing we waste freely, yet complain when we run out of.
I have decided, this is the most important gift I could give my dad.
The gift of time.
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And if your dad is like mine, he will never come out and say he needs more of your time. He will never complain that he doesn’t see you often enough and feels neglected. He will never impose on you or try to make you feel guilty.
I had to figure this out for myself.
I had to figure out that he really doesn’t need another pair of socks or shirt. What he needs is me.
My parents were divorced when I was a toddler and I didn’t live with my dad growing up. This, coupled with all the years leading up to midlife (that I am now staring in the face) where my time wasn’t so available because it was spent on raising my own kids, makes me feel like I’m making up for lost time.
As if I’m in a race against time.
But really, aren’t we all?
So if you’re struggling with ideas on what to get your dad this Father’s Day, might I suggest you give the gift of your time.
My dad and I have been meeting pretty regularly for lunch once a month. Sometimes other family members join us, most times not.
It is a way for he and I just to spend time. To use this commodity that is allotted to us, so we don’t look back and say, “We didn’t have enough time.”
“How did it get so late so soon? It’s night before it’s afternoon. December is here before it’s June. My goodness how the time has flewn. How did it get so late so soon?” Dr. Seuss
Salty Kisses,
Karen
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