As Father’s Day approaches next week, I’ve been reflecting on what this celebration truly means. While the holiday gives us a dedicated moment to honor fathers, I believe the spirit of Father’s Day can and should extend far beyond a single Sunday in June.
For me, as a father of two grown men who I adore, the joy of fatherhood isn’t confined to receiving gifts or cards once a year. It’s found in the everyday moments of connection that remind me how fortunate I am to have Josiah and Zach as my sons.
The Unexpected Calls That Mean Everything
Just this week, I experienced what I consider the true essence of Father’s Day. Within a couple of hours, I received calls from both my sons—not because of any special occasion, but simply to check in on me, see how I was doing, and even seek my advice.
These spontaneous connections mean more to me than any wrapped gift ever could. When the phone rings and I hear one of their voices on the other end, asking about my day or sharing something from theirs, I feel a sense of fulfillment that’s hard to put into words.
Those kind of out-of-the-blue calls from my sons make Father’s Day every day.
The Evolution of Fatherhood
There’s something profoundly moving about watching your children grow into adults who choose to maintain a relationship with you. The dynamic shifts from the necessary dependence of childhood to a chosen connection between adults, and that transition is perhaps the greatest gift a father can receive.
What makes these relationships particularly meaningful is:
- The voluntary nature of their outreach
- The genuine interest they show in my life and well-being
- The honor of still being someone whose advice they value
- The mutual respect that develops as they forge their own paths
These elements transform our relationships from the one-directional caregiving of early fatherhood to something more balanced and equally rewarding.
Gratitude as the Foundation
I find myself filled with gratitude not just on Father’s Day but throughout the year. I’m grateful for:
- The privilege of watching my sons grow into the men they’ve become
- The trust they place in me when they share their challenges and victories
- The opportunity to continue being part of their lives in meaningful ways
- The legacy of connection that we’re building together
This ongoing relationship isn’t something I take for granted. I recognize it as both a gift and a reflection of the foundation we built together over many years.
Expanding Our Appreciation
While I’m reflecting on my gratitude for my sons, I also think about the broader question of gratitude in our lives. Who are you grateful for today? Whether it’s your children, your own father, or other important figures who have shaped your journey, taking a moment to acknowledge that gratitude can be powerful.
Perhaps the true spirit of Father’s Day isn’t about a single celebration but about cultivating ongoing appreciation for the relationships that sustain us. For me, I’m grateful that I get to be Josiah and Zach’s dad every day, not just on the third Sunday in June.
As Father’s Day approaches, I encourage you to reach out to the important people in your life—not because the calendar tells you to, but because those connections are worth celebrating any day of the year. That unexpected call, that simple check-in, that moment of genuine interest might be the greatest gift you can give.
I know it would be for me.