Anticipating Father’s Day

I look forward to Father’s Day that is coming up this Sunday, June 21.

Last year I was a little more excited than in some prior years.

It’s an honor to be the father of such a sweet, amazing, young woman, as our daughter Meghan is. Last year on Father’s Day, our grandson, Liam, was nearly 10 months old.

In August this year, he’ll turn 2.

Meghan sends us photos and videos frequently of Liam. They are such a treat to receive.

He’s a busy little boy.

In reflecting on the days and years since Meghan was born, I like to think of the good times we’ve experienced as a family. I also remember those times just the two of us spent together.

Helping her with homework, spending time with her and my wife on school projects, might have been challenging but so worthwhile.

She always helped me with the National High School Finals and International Finals Youth Rodeos, even after she graduated from college and took her first full time job with the newspaper in Lawton.

She loved to go with me and run our bird dogs getting them ready for the quail season.

Never will I forget the time she called me one Friday afternoon after she had moved from Lawton and taken a job in Norman.

My wife was on a business trip and Meg wanted to know if I was doing anything on Saturday.

I told her nothing in particular. She jumped at the chance and asked me if I wanted to go on Saturday morning to our cousin Bill Mansfield’s place north of Calumet and do some target shooting.

Of course I did, if no other reason to spend Saturday with her.

If there is a regret I have as Meghan’s father, it’s that of being absent too often from attending some of her activities as she was growing up. As I look back, I honestly can say I let my work get in the way too often.

I don’t plan to let that happen with Liam. It’s also a chance to spend time with her as well.

I may not get those opportunities back, but I and my wife Pat try today to see her, Liam and her husband Terry anytime we can.

We find a way to be there to support Meghan and her family.

Walking her down the aisle on the evening of her wedding was one of my proudest moments. I had always dreamed of and hoped for that moment.

I whispered to her then, “Remember, you’ll always be my little girl, no matter what.”

She still is and always will be.

And he’ll always be granddad’s little guy.