Sunday was Father's Day, and we spent it together, just the two of us, enjoying the sunshine and cool breezes off the lake.
"We want to do something for him..." the two sons who live local said, now fathers in their own right. "But the timing just isn't good, and my car is in the shop....."
My mind trailed off as they both ticked off their various car maladies and struggles with raising young families and very little funds. It was okay though, because the fact they even wanted to do something for Father's Day for their step dad was a gift in itself.
They took the long way there, but it was worth it. The others had called and we were happy. We’ll celebrate together soon.
After church and a lovely day just relaxing and playing in the sun, we settled down on our back deck to eat a simple meal of barbeque chicken and roasted vegetables. With the dogs sleeping near our feet we were given another treat from our Creator who never lets loose ends undone for very long.
"Look!" he said softly, so as not to rise the sleeping balls of hair.
Living on the Lake we are used to seeing a variety of sea gull, ducks and even a few blue Herons.
But never have we seen swans.
White swans, and five of them no less! Pure white and long necks craning, they floated before us in a formation known only to them and most likely carried out for years untold.
Running into the house to grab a bag of bread, I silently offered a prayer to thank God for the gift of these beautiful creatures. For they not only symbolized the end of a beautiful day, but were perhaps a gift from my Dad, knowing how much we all missed him at times like these.
As he stood on the dock throwing them torn off pieces of bread, happy as a child and speaking to them like he does the dogs, I smiled as my beloved reveled in their beauty and the simplicity of gliding through the water. The simple joy of living was evident in each crust of bread thrown and snapped up by grateful receivers, while he spoke gently to them, coaxing them to come a little closer. He was acting like the Father he should have always been.
Had we gone out for a Father’s Day celebration we would have missed the whole thing. I can’t help but think there was a reason we were home and alone, seemingly unaffected by the holiday itself. But for now, I wanted to revel in the gift of Father's Day, and the beauty of the moment.
Whether it be step-kids, dogs or swans, my beloved is the epitome of what it means to be a Dad. He has a great heart.
Happy Father's Day.
