Bittersweet Father’s Day

On Sunday June 19th, we pay tribute to fathers all over the world - biological fathers, adoptive fathers, stepfathers, foster fathers, and anyone else, regardless of gender, who fills the role of a father in someone's life.

The day will be bittersweet for me this year, as my father passed away a few months ago in his 92nd year.

My usual visit with my father won’t be happening on Father’s Day, so there’s no need to call ahead and make arrangements. Nor do I need to search through an endless selection of greeting cards to find the perfect sentiment. Someone else’s father will be getting that card this year.

These thoughts would create emptiness inside were it not for the wonderful memories of my father that I have to fill the void. While I miss him deeply, I realize how very fortunate I am to have had him in my life as long as I did, and how very fortunate he was to have had so many years to live life to the fullest.

Thinking about my father invokes not only fond recollections, but also a sense of pride. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps - an optometrist who held the rank of sergeant in charge of vision care. He served his country with great pride for the duration of WWII.

My father made a positive difference in the lives of many people. It is with him as my inspiration that I attempt to do the same through my role with United Way KW. I couldn’t have wished for a better role model.
  
Jan