314: For Father's Day—Maybe the Best Gift Ever

Summary No guest today. Just me musing on the upcoming Father’s Day celebration. Given that my father passed away almost forty years ago, I get reflective as the holiday approaches and, more so, as the years between his passing and my age increase. In this episode, I explore why I’ve been thinking about him more, what I remember about him, why there are gaps in my knowledge, and what I would ask him if I could.

My dad was a complex man—perhaps all fathers are—because he was a product of a generation he understood and one that he didn’t always.

Over the years, I celebrated Father’s Day by giving my dad traditional gifts, such as a circular saw, barbecue equipment, or a history book. He always appreciated the gifts, but I wonder if he might have appreciated a conversation more, the result of me asking him questions in an attempt to understand him better.

I’d like to think that he would hear my questions as caring on my part. His responses, in turn, would be a gift to me.