We’re celebrating all fathers this weekend, and today I thought I’d share my personal thoughts about Father’s Day and the men I honor.
The longer I live the more I realize that so many people I know carry a complicated history with their parents. For me, that understanding has only deepened with time. My father and I shared a relationship that was, like so many others, extremely demanding at times. There were moments that I wish I could rewind time and initiate conversations I should have started before he left this life. Or perhaps write a “love letter” to him—one that would express every ounce of the gratitude and affection that I wished existed between us while he was here. As his son, I’d want him to know that despite the challenges, my love and respect for him ran deeper than I ever showed. And for that matter…deeper than he ever showed me.
And then there was my stepfather—a completely different story. He entered my life, not just as a parental figure, but as a mentor, a guide, and an unwavering source of support. He taught me lessons that went beyond words; lessons about integrity, hard work, and kindness. He didn’t just tell me how to live a good life, he showed me through his actions every single day. What a wonderful man he was, and what a gift it was to have had him shape my journey. If my father gave me life, my stepfather gave me the model for how to live it well.
Reflecting on my personal journey, I cherish both relationships deeply—one carrying the regret of what could have been, and the other overflowing with gratitude for the guidance and love I received. Thank you both for shaping my life in your own ways. Wishing you both a heartfelt and Happy Father’s Day.
“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.” – Psalm 103:13
Being About The Journey 