Happy Father’s Day

Whether you are a real father or just someone who is inspirational and loved like a dad, today is your day to be loved and honored in return.

Father’s Day didn’t begin as the joyful celebration it is known for today. It actually emerged from grief and gratitude. Many believe that the first known Father’s Day was held in 1908 in West Virginia, USA, after a tragic coal mine explosion killed 361 men, most of whom were fathers. President Lyndon B. Johnson did proclaim it as a day of recognizing fathers in 1966, though it wasn’t officially recognized as a national holiday until 1972, when President Richard Nixon signed a proclamation to make it permanent. 

Sonora Smart Dodd, initiated the idea of Father’s Day to honor her widowed dad who raised six sons. Since the month was her father’s birth month, and the third Sunday of June was his birth date, it was decided as the day to celebrate Father’s Day.

My own personal tribute to my daddy. My daddy was my hero.

Daddy in his Australian Army uniform, headed off to fight in WWII. He was only about 14 here.

Daddy not long after coming to the United States. My mother was from Texas, and they lived there for about 5 years before moving out to California in 1955.

Daddy, me, and the menagerie in our backyard.

Daddy with his girls in my first home in Colorado.

Daddy walking me down the aisle on my wedding day.

Our father/daughter dance at my wedding.

My favorite picture of my daddy. I took him on a cruise on an old fashioned cutter ship that cruised up the California coast for Father’s Day one year. He was in the Merchant Marines his whole life and was so happy he got to do one more cruise on a ship.

My daddy was my hero. He was always there for me, even when we fought like cats and dogs. We were two peas in a pod. I learned so much from my dad. I am who I am because of my dad. He passed away 18 years ago, but there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t still think of him and miss him. I love you daddy, always and forever. Thank you for being my daddy.