Friday, June 19, 2009

Cherish it

photo by dprint4u, available on http://www.sxc.hu.com/

Father's Day is the toughest day of the year for me. My dad passed when I was five. I always play ball on Father's Day. For years, I would make some dumb mistake that day like forgetting how many outs there were, and I would never have a good hitting day. One Sunday a few years ago, I went like 6 for 7 including a home run and that was that. I broke the spell.

My dad rests in Ardsley NY, right next to my grandparents. I visit every year on Fathers Day. The cemetery closes at 4pm and many a year I had to hop the gate to get in. I used to get real sad on Father's Day. I still do. But Father's Days are happier now. I see my younger brother, happily married with three beautiful kids. Who would have guessed that the brat I grew up with would turn out to be such an exceptional father? Amanda 10, Ryan 7, and Caroline 4 - they are happy, smart and they are so funny! They always make me smile.

When someone's dad passes, I've said more than a few times, "Appreciate the time you had with him. Because some people don't get that." I don't say it to garner to sympathy. Just to remind that time is precious, remember the good times, and know that we're lucky to have the time we have with our loved ones, no matter how long that is.

Happy Father's Day, everyone.

Labels: Fathers Day

posted by Alan Yu at 7:01 AM   1 comments