Every year I am reminded about two special days that cause me angst and melancholy. On Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, I feel joy that I was born to two such incredible human beings and then also deep sadness that they have both passed away. Regardless of my faith-filled heart and mind, I become a little girl all over again and I want my parents. I want to go home and talk and share. I want to hug, kiss, and sit with them. 
The advertisements for Father’s Day are already starting. Get ready to celebrate your Daddy.
I’m there.
I recall precious memories from every part of my life from very early childhood all the way through to his last breath. He was kind, strong, loyal, and genius. And he was very, very funny. In a culture where we hear so much–too much–about fathers who are corrupt with their children, I feel additionally blessed that this man was completely appropriate and loving, even when I would tell him we ought to get married and just get rid of Mommy. I cannot believe I did that. He however, was his consistent self telling me how much we love Mommy and how good she is to us and how much we need her. He was so right.
Daddy’s teach their little girls how to love men. I love mine for teaching me this so well. Men are under siege in today’s world, getting the blame from every imaginable direction–for their leadership, masculinity, power, strength, sexuality, ego, and the lack of any one of them as well. The fact is that men are the other half of women and together we are exquisite. We need one another and there is nothing awful or wrong about it.
Love requires trust. Embrace your Dad this Father’s Day. Love him up, thank him for being in your life and being good. Love who you are in the face of the man who contributed to you being.
Love your Mom and Dad…
This Father’s Day, I will visit my photographs and memories and their grave site. My prayers will be of gratitude and longing for the day when I get to see my Daddy again, run up to him and jump into his big arms and feel the love and integrity of the father-daughter bond.
Thank you Daddy. 
