by Craig Maltby for Club LT
When you’re a grown adult like we are (my wife might challenge that notion), Father’s Day isn’t the same.
We’re past the corny neck tie, the World’s Greatest Dad coffee cup or t-shirt. Maybe we’re even past the fishing lures, socks and baseball fan jersey.
What to do now, when we’re trying celebrate Father’s Day with a man who probably has everything he needs?
I can give a two-way perspective: from a guy with senior father; and from a guy with two daughters delving into their adult careers and home lives.
For me, the gift of “time” is always something I value. I know that sounds cliché. But some
i-Phone FaceTime or an afternoon at the ballpark, picnic or backyard grill is still a great thing for me and my dad and daughters.
And with our modern, hustle-bustle schedules, if that gift of time can’t be celebrated on Father’s Day, some day in the following week or two is just fine. What am I gonna do? Cop a nasty vibe if we don’t connect precisely on Father’s Day? Nope.
My dad and I will road trip to a Major League Baseball game in the next few days. With his limited mobility and advancing age, that’s kind of a big deal for him. To be along on that trip is a big deal for me.
And if my kids are in a position to do that with me 30 years down the road, I know I’ll be hugely grateful and blessed.
Father’s Day has a long history, starting in Europe in the Middle Ages. It was brought to the Americas by the Spanish and Portuguese.
In the early 20thcentury, several North American cities tried to claim the first U.S. Father’s Day, from Spokane to Vancouver to Chicago to Grafton, WV. From the Catholic Church to the Methodists to the Lions Club. Father’s Day has many fathers. But Mother’s Day came first.
Finally, President Lyndon Johnson issued the first presidential proclamation in 1966 declaring the third Sunday in June as Father’s Day. President Richard Nixon signed it into law as a permanent national holiday in 1972. (Followed by Plumber’s Day!
Despite the history and politics, Father’s Day has a lot of redeeming value. Yes, it helps sell a few more ties and coffee mugs. But it brings people together.
So don’t just buy, connect. When you think about it, that could and should be the theme of every holiday. We need more Father’s Days. And Mother’s Days.
About Craig Maltby
Craig Maltby is the Club LT community manager. He lives and works in a suburb of Des Moines, Iowa. When not writing or editing, Craig goes to movies, plays golf (or at least hits balls at the range), and plays keyboard in a classic rock music duo.
