Father's Day

It's the Friday before Father's day and I realize I didn't get a card out to my father or to Sam and sending one now will be too late. So I'll blog some Father's Day thoughts, hoping that they will read this and smile.
In cleaning out the attic, I found a box of old keepsakes. Among them I had tucked away the one and only letter I ever received from my dad - seven pages long on small note paper. He is a highly intelligent and wise man who always struggled with writing and so that letter with its scratched out words and misspelling means so very much to me. I have tucked it away in my Bible to take to Bolivia with me. (Mom, I also have one from you.) While growing up, hugs and kisses were not the custom in our family as they are today. But I never doubted my father's love for me. He used to like to surprise us with gifts. I remember in particular the lamp/clock radio I got in college and a silver bracelet engraved with my name. Thanks, Dad, for being the caring and consistant father that you were.
My son Sam is father to 5-year old Novali, our precious granddaughter living in Chicago with her mom. If you know Sam at all, you know that he is a very busy young man, working fulltime as Greek advisor at Albion College, while also running his 'side' businesses of web design and event planning as well as being on several boards. These all keep him hopping all over the States, and yet he always makes time to see his daughter and do unique things with her. I know this is not easy for him. Best wishes on Father's Day, Sam. And, thanks for letter you dad ride in your race with you - that was the best father's day gift he could have received!
Daniel, father to our four children. I know your heart and know the sacrifices you have made to put our family first. I don't think many people realize how difficult it was for you to leave a blosssoming career and come to the States for the sake of our children. Learning English was a treacherous mountain to climb, but few really know the other cultural struggles you faced and isolation you endured. I know how you continue to be concerned about our now grown children and the uncertainty at times that each of them face. I also know what a fantastic grandfather you are to Novali and Valerie. I know that are no limits to your love for them. Happy Father's Day, Daniel.