For a long time, I had not been a fan of Father’s Day.  For obvious reasons that don’t need to be reiterated, I always likened myself to those  military commentators on the news who would have their name, branch of service, rank and then in parenthesis the term (Ret.)  That was me.  I was a Dad at one time but now I was no longer.  I was (Ret.).  I had accepted my new station in life, not gladly mind you, but not a whole lot else I could do, so on this date like all “good” sons, I focused my attention on my Dad.

Again, fate would show its hand to me.

When I started re-dating Cindy, we dated in high school when the world was young….yes, the 1980’s!  There was a package as far as this relationship was concerned.  One’s name was Erica and the other was Alli.  Once I realized that this was something that I wanted to pursue until she would realize what a dreadful mistake shed made, I had an action plan.  First and most important, I was not going to pretend to be something I wasn’t.  Namely, I would not try to be their father.  Although that is a different story for another time, I respected the fact that they did have a father and I was not it.  All I wanted to be to them was someone they would eventually trust and feel comfortable enough to talk about anything with me.  A simple plan that, so far, has worked fairly well.

Once Erica realized that I wasn’t a putz and that she saw that I treated her mother with the respect she deserved, she accepted me into the clan.  Alli took a little longer.  She still had a relationship with her father, and I think she felt like she might be betraying him if she liked me.  I’m not sure, but it was on the first Father’s Day since we were married that she gave me a card that had a very thought out note to me thanking me for all I’ve done for her.  It was signed, I love you, Alli.

It was about five years ago on this day that I wasn’t feeling like celebrating anything.  I was depressed.  However, there was a family gathering at my sister’s house to eat bbq, have ice cream and wish my father a great day.  On my way there, I got a call from Erica who was at her job at DisneyWorld.  We chatted for a bit and then she wished me Happy Fathers Day.  I was able to make it to the driveway before crying happy tears.

So here I am on my fourth official Father’s Day as a step-dad.  I have received a lovely note from Erica this morning via text, Cindy took me out for lunch and I am going to have steaks on the grill prepared by Alli and her fiance Nathan.  Yep, he asked permission from Cindy and I last week and popped the question to Alli last night.  We could not be happier.

Happy Father’s day to all, especially to my Dad, my Pops, George.  I love you!!

That’s all for now.  Thanks for reading.

Paul