Yesterday was Father’s Day. It’s been 20 years since my dad passed and there are many difficult days to face each year, but Father’s Day is a particularly poignant one.

I am an anal planner. Twenty years ago, I had this ‘thing’ about cards. I loved picking the exact ‘right’ card for the moment and would spend hours in various drug stores perusing the ‘occasion’ cards. Many times I would find ‘the’ right one like ten times all at once. Twenty-one years ago, I found two perfect Father’s Day cards and bought both. I gave one to my father that year and, as usual, cooked him a fabulous brunch—his favorite Father’s Day gift. I saved the other card for the following year.

Yeah, you guessed it—I never got to give him that card. To this day, I’ve never been able to throw it in the trash. Every year since my dad died, I take out that ‘perfect’ card the day before Father’s Day. I read it and cannot help but cry.

It’s a secret ritual because my husband is an amazing father and I never want to detract from his Father’s Day. So, yesterday we did the macho grilled steak routine and, as part of our ritual since my dad left us, we toasted him as well as the dh.

For all of you who are lucky enough to have living fathers—enjoy every minute.

Happy Monday!

Cheers,

Jianne