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Next Sunday is Father's Day.
To be painfully honest, it has never been a day I thought too much about until, say, a week prior to its arrival. (Kind of like this column.)
It is nothing like Mother's Day. We know it is coming and always order our gifts and flowers well in advance. We actually buy her a card as soon as they become available in the aisles.
Why is that? What makes Mother's Day more meaningful than Father's Day?
I truly have no idea. But I will speculate that mothers usually don't leave. Some do. But most stay for the duration.
Now, in no way am I bashing or demeaning men. There are some really great ones out there. My grandfather was perhaps the best dad ever. I know because that is how my mother and uncle always spoke of him. Photos of them on his back while he portrayed the horsey.
All the neighborhood children still knocking on his door when he was well into his 80s, asking if he could come outside and play.
How we all miss him.
Anyway, now is when I would begin scrambling for the appropriate gift for my father -- an extremely difficult task. At least when it comes to buying something for any man in my family.
The typical necktie gesture wasn't practical. I believe I only saw my dad wear a tie at my first wedding.
And as far as I know, he didn't play golf.
When he was alive, I would sometimes see him for Father's Day and hand him a card which I picked up after leaving the house. If he was lucky he would get a few scratch-off lottery tickets inside. Not winning ones, of course. He wasn't that lucky.
How I miss him.
And how I wish I would have given him more. More than just a stupid card. More of my time. More of my heart. Just more.
He was one of the funniest people I've ever met. And he always introduced me to his friends in such a proud way. I didn't deserve that but he made me feel as if I did.
I have an amazing step-father who has been my children's only male influence these past 30 years. They have never had the opportunity to celebrate Father's Day. And that makes me cry. All the time. Still.
Although I know they sometimes feel that loss, it is truly their "fathers'" loss, because they missed out on life's greatest gift.
Some years, I receive a Father's Day card from my middle child. I make sure to keep them in a special place because that is how much they mean to me that he considers me to be both his mom and dad.
And I would like to wish a happy Father's Day to any mom who has had to take on both roles for the sake of their children.
It takes a special kind of person who can do both.
Not that I am calling myself special. I am far from being that.
But it speaks volumes as to what we will do for our children -- especially when they are boys and need that father- figure role model in their lives. I am proud of you, ladies.
Going to the baseball field with my sons and all of their friends wasn't easy. Especially with some of the talent their friends had. Plus, I ran like a girl. But I threw like a guy. I'm funny that way.
I miss those days.
I guess I miss a lot.
But I just wanted to take a moment to say that I wish I had done better on those Father's Days that I had with my dad. If only … One of my favorite wishes.
For those of you fortunate enough to have your dad in your life, please, enjoy him next Sunday. Make his day special. Even if it is by giving him a simple hug and just telling him, "Daddy, I love you."
Trust me, he will remember.