And Gratitude for My Own…

My Dad knew how to play — and still does! As I look back, some of my fondest memories of my childhood were the ways in which may Dad would initiate play. He would…

• take me on a trip to space using only our IMAGINATIONS. We would each sit in one of the family room recliners. We’d lean as far back as we could go, close our eyes, and we were off! He’d describe the rumble of the engines starting up, the intense fire erupting blast off, passing the sound barrier, the disengagement of our boosters and finally the quiet, calm incredible beauty of space. I remember those trips as magical.

• take me on an ADVENTURE in our city. On a given Sunday, he would say, “let’s go for a drive!” Neither of us had any clue where we were off to. He’d pack his camera so he was prepared to photograph. And I would call out, “go left here.” We’d end up in a part of our city we had never explored before. We would find old railroad yards and get out and explore. And I learned that there were wonders to be discovered even and especially in areas that seemed forgotten.

• create rituals to turn everyday experiences SACRED. Though there were numerous and varied ways he created these experiences, one simple and memorable one was the sun salute. Each summer, when we went to the beach and swam in the ocean together, he would initiate the sun salute. It was ultimately gratitude for the sun, for the ocean, and for the time to play together.

These are just a few examples of how my Dad showed me a life of creativity, enchantment, and play. And he did it with his grandson too through puppets and silly games and lots of laughter. Most of all, he listens to me, really listens. He pays attention to the concerns of my heart and gives me trusted space to express myself.

Words cannot express my gratitude to my Dad for all that he has and continues to give to me just by being himself. And I count myself blessed to have two other Dads – my loving partner, Dad to our son, and my father-in-law who also both bring so much joy to our lives.

How will you recognize the intrinsic gifts your father – or a father in your family – gave/gives you this Father’s Day?

If you are a father, how can you embody the best of what Dads can be with your family?

May it be a truly Happy Father’s Day!