Celebrating Dad On Father's Day:

Celebrating Dad

Father's Day is about remembering Dad and all the sacrifices he made for the family. Remember all those hours he worked overtime when you were young? You missed him and didn't understand. Yet, when Christmas came around we had a fresh cut pine standing in the living room. The house was warm as the family decorated the tree. Then come Christmas morning we'd at least receive one or two of our most coveted gifts. Dad/Father/Padre whatever you call him (the man who raised you) made some of your wishes come true. Remember the evening horseback rides or wrestling with him? The times your family would cram into the family vehicle and go for a Sunday ride without knowing where you'd end up. Sometimes he'd even get you lost, if you were going somewhere special, however even then you'd discover something new or some exciting new place to eat. The picnics, camping trips, fishing and learning to swim in the lake all spent/supervised by good ole Dad. These were all made possible by his hard work and overtime pay.

Now it's time to remember Dad by showing him appreciation for all he did/does do. That's the real meaning of Father's Day. To celebrate Dad for all those memories, gifts, his help in completing a school science fair project/or with your math homework. The times you needed him when your dog got run over by a car or you broke-down in your car and he came to your rescue. Dad's are known to be our heroes; silent heroes who never ask for nothing in return. So don't forget this is how Dads show love in their own special way. Most Dads aren't too sentimental in their early years, however they become a little more so as time ages them.

If you are wondering what to get for him on Father's Day here are a few suggestions:

1) Gift Cards to his favorite store; Sportsman's Warehouse, Home Depot, Lowe's, Ace Hardware, Sears (for those Craftsman tools many men love). Or even to his favorite restaurant; after all what man doesn't like to eat. Also, giving a gift card is easier than mailing a package at today's shipping costs (and what if he doesn't like what you picked out?-he'll keep it anyways in his closet; never using it. What a shame). You can make it even more special by making his Father's Day card yourself. Therefore, you are giving him two gifts.

2) You can have a family barbecue in his honor. Just let him sit back and relax in the sunshine and fresh air; while you do all the grilling and cooking. More than likely, if there are grandkids that's where you'll find him; playing games or entertaining them. Don't forget to make "his favorite foods" for this special day.

3) If you want to really give a gift with a package and bow then most Dads have a need for new tools. Tools are different in everybody's hobbies/careers. There are tools for drafting, mechanics, woodworking, cabinetry, sculpting, model shipbuilding, gardening, and home remodeling. You see where I'm coming from? Be sure that whatever career or hobby your Father has that he doesn't already have that particular tool. Unless it is a better one than he has already. Be sure to fit the tool to your Father and to make it one he will use. Or if you Dad is a sports enthusiast or goes golfing, fishing, hunting, roller-blading, biking, ect.; you can get him something related to that sport. Try and use the concept of something he needs/wants in this area. It could be an autographed football by Brett Favre, tickets to the next basketball game, a special edition autographed copy of a book by Sports Celebrity he really likes.

4) If you are an only child or your siblings live faraway, and can't spend Father's Day with Dad, then just the two of you do something together. This can range from going to the golf course, fishing, playing billiards, to a rodeo/car show/races or other sporting event. Make it special, take a few pictures to record the event. Later put these pictures in a photo frame and give it to him as a reminder of the day you spent together.

5) Photos of grandchildren are a definite hit with Dad's. You could design a collage by making a tree with branches leading to each child's photograph. Remember to put the name, birth date and date of picture either below it or next to it. If you have siblings with kids be sure to get photos of them as well. This way you could include pictures of all Dad's grandchildren; thus, creating a piece of family history he will treasure. Maybe your siblings could help make it too so it can be from all of you.

6) Handmade cards; you can add little treasures from special outings with Dad as you were growing up. Which could be anything from a seashell collected in the family trip to Hawaii to ticket stubs from a Yankee game, or even a concert program in which Dad came to see you in.

Most of all, remember to honor your Dad with showing him you love him and appreciate all he did for you. If you have a problem with communicating with him than this may be the right time to reach out and either forgive him or tell him you're sorry. He is only human and he loves you even if he doesn't say it. He speaks it with his heart when he worked hard to get the things you needed/wanted (even if you didn't get everything you wanted he did try). Dads are that way; they are warriors and heroes who don't show as much emotion as Moms. That's what makes him your hero; did you know that? It's because he was fearless in the face of all those monsters under your bed, held unto you during a tornado and calmed your fears after your nightmare. Celebrate him with love, even if you are faraway at least call. If your Dad is passed away then remember all those times you had with him on this day; honor his memory and toast him for the man he was/what he did and accomplished. Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there.