Posts
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| Judith Whitehead lives in Amherst New York.
and has worked in the ophthalmology
field of medicine for over 30 years
Above photo; Steve and Judith Whitehead
with son Jacob and daughter in
law Audrey, along with Judith's dad, Bert.
RIP Mr. Meyers.
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Father’s Day will be bitter sweet this year; it will be the first year we will not be celebrating with Dad as he passed away this Spring. We always looked forward to this all American holiday; in the later years.
We would always bring Father’s Day to dad since he was living in a nursing facility and it was too hard to take him out. We always reserved the party room and all gathered bringing his favorite foods and a cake that had decorations on it depicting his favorite hobby, golf.
As he began to age I often wondered to myself if this would be the last one we would be able to celebrate together as he began to enter his mid nineties. Although he spoke very little we knew he enjoyed our gatherings and listening to the chatter of the family. He loved the cards that sang or made music; that seemed to really tickle him and he opened and closed it many times to amuse himself.
My husband, being the good sport he was, would always share his day with my dad. Mothers Day is always a hard one for me since my mom has been gone for so long. I remember our family dinners with fondness, it has left a hole that can never be filled again.
Moms and dads should be honored all year long and not just on the American Holidays on the calendar.
We were lucky children, my parents were always there for us. I know many did not have such a luxury.
My parents as well as my husbands were always a great part of our lives and when I reflect on the past years I wished I had done more to honor them for all that they sacrificed for us growing up.
Somehow when we are young we so take for granted these wonderful role models and act as though they will be
in our lives forever, always there to lend a hand or to give advice. Time moves so fast that before we can turn around we realize we will not be on this earth forever.
AS I age I spend more time reflecting on the past trying to make every day count for something. So as this day approaches, try and make it count. Let those who are dads, step dads, granddads and dad like role models , etc know how much you care for them and appreciate them. It’s not the presents that dads are looking for, it’s the time and effort you make to remember them and the time you took to give of yourselves on that day. Sure my dad always liked a new shirt or tie but what he really liked was the time we all gathered at the same table to share our stories and reminisce about the good old times.
Those stories always brought comfort to him and made him feel needed and important. Father’s Day may be an American made holiday but it started way before it was put on the calendar to
celebrate. If you remember one of the ten commandments “Honor thy mother and father” , it started at the beginning of time.
So As June approaches, begin to think of ways to celebrate this important event. Whether it be a picnic,dinner, or brunch.
Remember who we are honoring and enjoy every moment, for our dads are not around forever on earth, but always in our hearts.
Hana Hou, (Encore) Shared From Facebook...
