Father’s Day has always been an emotional day for me.
You wouldn’t know this, but my father passed away on Father’s Day in 1994 after battling lung cancer.
My dad had a difficult upbringing. He grew up during the Great Depression and never finished the tenth grade. Yet in many ways, he was the smartest man I ever knew.
He was a proud member of what we often call the Greatest Generation, serving for four years in the Pacific during World War II. My mother also served our country as a Navy nurse.
Together, they taught me lessons about hard work, sacrifice, humility, and love that continue to guide me every day.
My father was incredibly proud of me.
Near the end of his life, he shared something I had never known. He told me that when I was in junior high school, he would often leave work early just to watch me practice football.
Back then, parents didn’t attend practices the way they do today. They certainly didn’t stand on the sidelines or talk with coaches. My father simply watched quietly from a distance without ever saying a word.
That story has stayed with me ever since.
At the time, I had no idea he was there.
Now, as the father of two beautiful daughters, I understand exactly why he did it.
There is nothing in this world I love more than my daughters. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about them, worry about them, pray for them, and hope for their happiness.
I cannot imagine a day when I would not want to be there for them.
And I imagine my father felt the very same way about me.
As I’ve gotten older, I find myself thinking about my dad more and more. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about him.
I still miss him.
I still hear his voice.
I still carry his lessons with me into every operating room, every challenge, and every success.
And I’d like to believe that somewhere, somehow, he’s still watching from afar, just as he did on those football fields all those years ago.
To all fathers, grandfathers, sons, daughters, and families celebrating this weekend, cherish the moments you have together.
These are truly the precious gifts of life.
Happy Father’s Day.
And Dad, wherever you are, thank you for everything.
I miss you, and I love you.
