It’s Father’s Day, and every year it’s bittersweet. While my dad died in 2010 after some really tough times, health-wise, I still get a little knot in my throat every time I see stories titled ‘The top 5 Father’s Day gifts’ or ‘Where to take Dad to lunch’. I’ll be celebrating with my husband, of course, because after all, he’s a father, too. And this year with my sweet father-in-law. Just not my own daddy.
I know I’m not alone. Many of my friends have lost their dads. In fact, my friend Allison – whose dad died far too young several years ago – shared with me the ritual she celebrates every Father’s Day. They were always big shopping buddies, hitting all the best stores at the mall, window-shopping Armani, Tiffany…you name it. The year he died, she lived and worked in L.A. so on Father’s Day, she and a girlfriend decided to do Rodeo Drive in his honor. “I found the most amazing pair of Manolos that fit perfectly and had been marked way down,” she told me. “Still, they were a lot of money.” And her practical self started to put on the brakes, not the shoes.
“I think you should get them,” her girlfriend said. “Your dad would want you to have them!” And, Allison says, “I knew right then that she was right, so I bought them!” It was the start of her now annual Father’s Day tradition. So this year once again, she’ll be shopping and trying on in the shoe department at Neiman’s, glass of champagne in hand. I can hardly wait to see what she chooses!
Allison gave me a gift when she shared her story. She made me realize, in the lingering tears of loss, there’s a lot more to celebrate than to cry about. For not only are we our mothers’ daughters, we’ll always be Daddy’s little girls.
Happy Father’s Day, Dad! And to all the great dads in your lives.
What special memories do you have of your dad? Post a favorite picture of you and your dad on our Facebook page now
You have me remembering back to fun times with my dad. When I visit places or see things that I know he’d like or have somthing to say about— I can’t help but smile and talk to him in my head— and Yes, sometimes I think he answers me back— in my head. Thank you Kyle for encouraging me to ramp up my awareness and write down some of my thoughts.
Thanks, girls! And BTW, I saw Allison today and she’s promised to post a picture of her new Jimmy Choos!
What a great story! i still have my dad but I love the idea of celebrating them even when they are gone. And you are right, we will always be “daddy’s little girl”!
I love Allison’s story! My “tradition” would have to include Burger King with a Whopper and Fries.
What better way to honor your father than to launch your dream on a day that celebrates him and your special memories of him. So proud of you!
Hugs and Love!
Traci
one line that I love when I think of my Dad is cumming’s “i carry your heart with me (i carry it in my heart)”
Thank you so much for sharing my story!!! I found an AMAZING pair of Jimmy Choo clogs that had my name written all over them!! I wore them to dinner tonight and felt like a MILLION BUCKS!!!
Just like you said…celebrate their life, celebrate y’alls fun together and keep on keeping on like he would want you to!
xoxo
Allison