My dad has always been the smart steady and serious one in the family.  Every day, he spends hours pouring over the news by reading several newspapers, television, the internet, etc.  He spends hours working at his consulting business on the computer.  He rises anywhere from 5-8 am, makes his morning coffee, feeds the cats, and heads into his home office.  Around 10am he moseys into the kitchen, has a protein shake or a couple eggs and nuts, more coffee, and reads the papers that have been delivered.  He then will return to his writings, maybe do some chores around the house on the 1 acre of grounds, around 5 will have a glass a wine and call it a day, relaxing with my mother as they plan dinner.  Many days he is traveling for work and enjoys this aspect of his professsion. 

He says he will retire in his 70s, that has not happened, but he did buy a house in St. Augustine FL before turning 70.  He is still working hard and on a health kick doing the Dr. Gundry heart healthy eating diet and has lost 17 pounds.  He feels good and says he knows the end is much closer to him every day, no one knows when that is, but he being so calculated, is savoring each moment.

My dad has always been a hard worker, organized, frugal, the heavyweight.  On a recent trip to florida with my 10 month old, i saw another side to this dad.  His voice was lighter...hard to describe but less stressed.  He was playful and wanted to tickle and giggle with his granddaughter, reading her books and making funny sounds.  He liked to greet her in the morning and in her crib when she awoke from a nap kicking and laughing.  He wanted to take her on the merry go round, show her the ducks, take her for walks on the beach, let her sit on the shore at the ocean, bring her to the pool, see the alligators, and show her off at the farmer's market.  He wanted to play games, plan dinners, and make me my favorite martini just right.  

There was a huge rain and wind storm much like a hurricane for days, he wanted to go out on the beach and feel it, walk in it, breathe it.  So, he and I ventured out and walked on the deserted beach for over an hour, barely hearing each others words if any, but taking pictures and darefully walking out into the wild ocean waves.  This was a side to my father I had not seen maybe since I was a kid.  If so, I don't remember it. 

Now, back to my home in Jackson WY, my dad calls me more frequently just to talk and tell stories, he is a friend and father.  I would have never really imagined our relationship now as it has evolved over the years, but am thankful that he is still around and we have this opportunity to bond and he can be a large part of my daughter's life. 

This father's day is a special one for him in my mind.  I feel fortunate to be able to call him and talk with him and hope he has one of the best father's day ever.  Remember, every day is a new one and relationships are fragile, appreciate and love your family and friends.  Happy Father's Day to all you dads!  Make every day count.

written by Lauri Harris