Happy Father's Day (oh and our biggest giveaway yet)!!!

First let me begin by giving the dad’s out there and the mom’s who have had to be the dad’s while raising kids a big shout out for Father’s Day!  What I’ve learned is being a parent is one of most challenge jobs out there, but also the most awarding, so Happy Father’s Day!

Today I’m posting about being a son and about being a dad.  This will be my first Father’s Day without my dad who lost his battle to cancer just last month.   Heading into today has given me a chance to reflect on my past and a better understanding of how I turned out to be the man I am.

I remember the day my son was born and I looked over to my dad and he was just beaming.  I knew he was happy to see his new grandson, but my dad was really beaming because he was ecstatic too know that I was taking my first step into this next level of life.  That I was finally going to experience the joys and pains of fatherhood.  I realized all those long conversations (or at the time lectures) had all lead me too that day.

The amazing thing about me becoming a dad was that it brought me back to needing my dad.  Let me clarify, he and I always had a great relationship.  We spoke often on the phone or I would see him regularly for lunch.  He really had always been my sage, but being a dad for the first time gave me more chances to call him and ask questions. 

Last Father’s Day I took my dad golfing.  At that time there was no signs of him being sick. He had cancer a couple of years before but with surgery they were able to remove it.  So this was just a day of us celebrating each other.  I was celebrating him being my dad.  Thank him for being who he was and for giving me the tools to become the man I am.  We spent the day (it was a hot one) golfing, laughing, sweating, talking and sharing.  After a long day of teach golf balls how to swim are families met us for dinner at the Clubhouse.

It was a good day!  The picture I used in our new Pack Your Bags layout I think captures the happiness in of three generations of Petrouski men.  This is how I want to remember the last time I was able to golf with my dad.  This is how I want to remember him!!!  Happy Father’s Day dad!!!

Father's Day 2009--- Our New Pack Your Bags Line

Now that I am a dad, there are ways that I want Jax to remember me.  I want him to remember me laughing with him.  I want him to remember me for the things I’ve taught him.  I want him to remember the moments where he comes to me for guidance.  But I also want Jax to know me in ways that most fathers never express to their sons.

Right before Jax was born, I opened a hotmail email account for him.  I started using that account to journal little moments too him.  I send pictures, videos and voice memo’s of day to day accomplishments to him.  Most importantly I express my life too him.  I think it’s important for him to know that I’m not just his dad, but I’m also a man that has too deal with day to day life.  When he becomes an adult I will share this account with him, for now it’s one of my little treasures.  So Jax, I love you and thank you for allowing me to celebrate this father’s day!

Here's a typical Saturday for Jax and I(mom usually works Saturdays).  It usually starts with a trip to Barnes and Noble to read a book, eat a cookie and I have a coffee.  Then we are off on our grocery shopping excursion, which can take up to 4 hours if we spend a lot of time sampling :). 

Jax taking a break at the store eating a Mint Chocolate Chip Gelato

Jax and I playing dead from eating too much...

 

Jax enjoying all the challenges of shopping...

 

Jax a bit worn out....

   

Finally... a new mode of transportation for Jax...

As you can see I really enjoy being his dad!

Finally how about a give away...  Tell me some of your best Dad moments....  I'm going to be giving away the biggest prize pack yet.  I think it will have a retail value of $200.00....  So tell us your best dad moments and by next Friday I will announce the winner. 

Thanks again and Happy Father's Day!

Comments

[laterg8r]

1.

best dad moment: hearing my girls ask daddy for a 'kitty song'. he paused and then went into the old meow mix commercial "meow, meow meow meow, meow meow meow meow, meow meow meow..." priceless!!

[Linda from Lockbourne]

2.

I was the only child and a girl, so I was fortunate enough to have all of my Daddy's attention. He and I would get up early on Saturday mornings to go fishing and sometimes we were lucky enough to catch something worth NOT exaggerating about. The fishing was so much fun, even if we only caught a mild case of sunburn, but the best thing about it was spending time with my Daddy doing something we both loved to do. He passed away in 2002, but my mind is oftened triggered back to the past and those wonderful Saturday mornings.

[Linda from Lockbourne]

3.

I was the only child and a girl, so I was fortunate enough to have all of my Daddy's attention. He and I would get up early on Saturday mornings to go fishing and sometimes we were lucky enough to catch something worth NOT exaggerating about. The fishing was so much fun, even if we only caught a mild case of sunburn, but the best thing about it was spending time with my Daddy doing something we both loved to do. He passed away in 2002, but my mind is oftened triggered back to the past and those wonderful Saturday mornings.

[jengd]

4.

When I was going through my tomboy phase (pretty much my whole childhood!), Dad would pretty much go with it- took me to Orioles games, Star Wars movies, etc. Even once I developed a bit more of a feminie side, he stayed close to me, always there when I needed him.

[Kirsten]

5.

One of my fondest memories of my dad growing up was when I was in Girls Scouts & there was a daddy-daughter dance he would wear a suit & get me a corsage & bring home a company car from work & take me to the dance. I felt so special that he took the time & paid attention to the little details.

[Jamie Greene]

6.

Let me see my favorite memories with my dad consist of sunday morning breakfasts! My Dad would cook breakfast while performing a lot of crazy raps that he made up! My parents recently visited us and he has now taught my kids some of those crazy raps!

[Christy Strickler-emeraldvalkyrie]

7.

We lived in an a very wooded area when I was growing up. I really enjoyed exploring it wiht my Dad. I have fond memories of that of of the times we spent going to flea markets.

[Jennifer D]

8.

What a great memory you have of your Dad! It's sad that he is no longer here but it sounds like he lives on well in your memories. It's great that you are so interactive with Jax and I think you love shows through just in the way you talk about it. I have a great father too who has always been there for me through thick and thin. The best story I can think of is back in 2005 we had terrential rains and my yard was flooding. The water was coming into my basement through the windows and my Dad came over to help us fight against it. It was cold, wet and pouring rain but he still help late into the night. We laugh about it now and that is what I love about him. I can always count on him.

[Carol Metully]

9.

My Father passed away when I was 30 and I miss him still (almost 30 years later)! He took my family on roadtrips every summer. They were the highlight of our summer. We went everywhere in the US that had roads. He was a kind man, generous to a fault, and made me laugh and smile every day! Dad worked hard and made it a point that all of us knew that nothing comes to you free. That being a good person is most important. I took that and made my children know the same things. They knew him for a few short years but it made their lifes full of memories.

[Denise]

10.

My favorite dad moment is of my husband. A year and a half ago we adopted our darling daughter from China. The day we got her was so hectic. There was a room full of crying adults and babies, nannies, and other parents who were their to sign paperwork. Our sweet daughter had tears streaming down her face, as I took her into my arms. Not two minutes went by, when my husband Chris took her from my arms and started cooing to her, "Hi Jian Jian. I'm your daddy. You're my baby girl." It was an awesome moment and I'm getting teary eyed just writing about it.

[Cindy D]

11.

My dad used to take me fishing. I loved spending this time with him! We would always stop on the way home for ICEEs.

[Melissa Fey]

12.

My favorite daddy moment is the morning after we brought our first born home from the hospital. My husband got up with our baby Sarah at 5 am and changed an incredibly poopy diaper while I slept and recovered from the c-section. That alone is awesome, but what is really cool is that it was my husband's 30th birthday. To this day, he still brags to all who will listen that he celebrated his 30th by changing his daughters diaper at 5am! THAT is an awesome daddy!

[Rezah Nieuwenhuizen]

13.

My father is a scrapbooker.
I think he is one of the view here in Holland.
He makes beautiful items for me and my brother. That's one of the reasons I love him so much. Hooray for my father.
Rezah (12 years)

[Jean Bradsher]

14.

I am very sorry about your dad. I am extremely fortunate that my dad will be 86 in August and I have many, many wonderful memories. It took me growing up to realize that I came from a normal, happy family. Where do I start? With 5 kids and one income, we would go to the Dairy Queen, but we could only spend 10 cents. Don't be shocked - that could buy you a lot - but not a BIG treat. So really special times were when my dad said "you can have WHATEVER you want!" Not only did he support us in everything we did, but he shared with us the things that he enjoyed.

[Emma Rose]

15.

My father fostered a love of so many things in me... Because of him I love animals, children, good books, good food, good manners, exploring, and most of all being a parent. This man taught me what being a parent was ALL about. He was a parent and a friend... Happy Father's Day everyone!!

[Miss cooper]

16.

I have a hard time thinking about a single great thing about my father. This man is everything I hope and pray my sons will be some day. All of my memories are filled with love, honesty, and time spent with my very bestfriend. He worked so hard all of our life, but never forgot to make time for us. He had two girls and never complained about not having someone to play sports with... Instead he played house, dress up, and forced down too many easy baked oven cakes to count. I love him so much and wish everyone a wonderful Father's Day!!

[Miss cooper]

17.

I have a hard time thinking about a single great thing about my father. This man is everything I hope and pray my sons will be some day. All of my memories are filled with love, honesty, and time spent with my very bestfriend. He worked so hard all of our life, but never forgot to make time for us. He had two girls and never complained about not having someone to play sports with... Instead he played house, dress up, and forced down too many easy baked oven cakes to count. I love him so much and wish everyone a wonderful Father's Day!!

[Sherry]

18.

My best memories of my Dad involve spending time at the ballfield... I followed him everywhere as he coached his team and celebrated every victory or loss. He is the best father anyone could ever ask for!

[JJ]

19.

My best memory is my father teaching me to drive. I was terrible!! He has the paitence of a saint and refused to give up on me. It makes me laugh everytime I think about it!!

[Keesha]

20.

My absolute best memory about my father is the general "goodness" that you feel flowing off of him... He is a man of integrity, honesty, and strong ethics... I am 30 years old and I can't tell you a single time is has ever broken his word to me. He is the greatest and I am blessed beyond words!

[miss cooper]

21.

My best Dad memory is form when I was a kid... This wonderful sweet man worked his tail off to surprise me and my sister with our dream vacation to Disney World... He worked 12 hour days 6-7 days a week for months!! These are memories my sister and I will have forever!!!

[Kelly Johnson]

22.

My dad and I weren't very close growing up. Honestly we aren't that close now. But with his first grandchild on the way we are starting to grow up. Though I do remember playing games with my dad. Boardgames were his favorite. We would play, and he would always win.

[Kelly Johnson]

23.

My dad and I weren't very close growing up. Honestly we aren't that close now. But with his first grandchild on the way we are starting to grow up. Though I do remember playing games with my dad. Boardgames were his favorite. We would play, and he would always win.

[Jessica S.]

24.

I'm really sorry for your loss. I know how heart breaking it is to lose your Dad, I lost mine 3 yrs. ago. What I'm really grateful for is that he has left me with so many wonderful memories. Everytime I think of him I can't help but smile.

I have to say one of my best memories with Dad happened 1 week before he died. My Mom and Dad were here visiting with us (we live about 3 1/2 hours apart) I had a doctors appointment across town. Usually my Mom would be the one to ride with me but to make a long story short, she couldn't go this time. So Mom said to Dad, "Why don't you go with her?" Between Mom and I we encouraged Dad to ride with me. So he did. It turned out to be a very special day for both of us. After my doctors appointment we had a wonderful lunch, Chinese food, our favorite. And then we went to Costco, we both always loved Costco. He had a bad knee so he got in one of those electric carts and we shopped up and down every isle, taste testing all the samples. We just had a wonderful time. I know Costco doesn't sound all that special, but that day it was. Mom said when we got home we were both laughing and talking. She said it was so obvious that we had a wonderful day. Sadly, one week later my Dad died suddenly. I am so grateful for that special day we spent together. Thank you Mom for encouraging Dad to go with me. My Dad was a very special guy. He had a great sense of humor and know body loves their family more then he did. He's been gone 3 years now and I still can feel his love.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts about your Dad and for giving me the chance to share my memories of my Dad.

[Adriana]

25.

Love your pictures... Veryyyy funny!!
In 2000 I went with my Dad to Buenos Aires - Argentina. Just the 2 of us. We spent 4 days over there, enjoying each other! It was great!!!

[Sharyn]

26.

First, I am sorry for your loss. It is never easy to lose someone we love so much.

One of the most special memories I have of my Dad may seem silly, but it really highlights his character.

While I was growing up, my Dad travelled a lot. He was gone almost 2-3 weeks a month. One time, he had to travel and would be trying to arrive back home on my 9th birthday. He told me, before he left for the trip, that he would be home by 10am on my birthday. I was a nervous wreck during that trip, wondering if he would be able to make it home on time. When the day arrived, I sat in the kitchen, staring at the clock on the microwave, and wouldn't you know it, at 10am on the dot, my Dad walked in. He made my day! I was sooooo happy that he made it home, AND at the time he promised.

As I grew older, I realized he probably sat in his car until 10am, but it didn't change how that day made me feel.

My husband lost both of his parents in the same year we lost my mom, so my Dad has a lot of roles to fill for my children, as well as my husband and myself, and does a fantastic job at all of them!!!

[Ilene Tell]

27.

Wow, THAT's a giveaway! Thanks for the chance to win! I was just remembering today how my dad used to come home sometimes with ice cream for us (which was hard to get where I grew up - in communist Russia!), and how he always managed to find new books to buy me, no matter what the cost. And took me to the Library every week. Those were all things I loved and I'm glad that was his way of spending time with me.

[Loraine]

28.

Some of my fav memories with my dad are of working on cars. I love that he taught me all kinds of stuff and answered all my questions.

[Barb V #2975]

29.

One that comes to mind is going to meet him at work in the summer time when we were kids - and he would take us over to the gas station a few doors down and buy us ice cream bars! A treat we rarely had back then!

[sandra m.]

30.

I love reading all these dad stories! Dad's really do leave lasting impressions. I too lost my dad way too young to cancer. My kids were 4 & 5 and he so enjoyed being a grandfather. He was always full of sage advice whether I wanted to listen or not. Thanks for sharing your story with us Thom!

[ScrapPlay]

31.

My dad used to drive me up to summer camp when I was a kid. It was a four hour drive with just the two of us in the car. (I was one of four kids so this was rare) We'd stop for lunch and tell stupid jokes and search for a post office that had Sunday pickups (a bizzarre obsession of my Dad's was making sure all his mail went out immediately.) It wasn't anything big or special, but it was a good time to just relax and be with my dad.

[{vicki}]

32.

I remeber the night my son was born===My Dad was just as happy as me and my husband. He was absolutely beaming! Every sunday he would visit to see and spend time with his grandson. When my son was 2 years old my dad unexpectantly died. It was and still is very hard for me but the hardest part was trying to explain death to a 2 year old who wondered why his "pop" didn't come see him anymore. I can't help but think of the relationship that those two would have had....

[{vicki}]

33.

I remeber the night my son was born===My Dad was just as happy as me and my husband. He was absolutely beaming! Every sunday he would visit to see and spend time with his grandson. When my son was 2 years old my dad unexpectantly died. It was and still is very hard for me but the hardest part was trying to explain death to a 2 year old who wondered why his "pop" didn't come see him anymore. I can't help but think of the relationship that those two would have had....

[Jenn Claar]

34.

One of the best memories I have with my Dad is when i was fairly young every Sunday afternoon my little brother and I would crawl up onto my parents bed and Dad would read to us...and not just books...but COMIC books! He would read Batman and Superman...and even Children Classics. He would do all the fun sound effects and we would hang on every word1 I can still picture us all huddled on the bed....Then when I had children, he would do the same thing and read to them...I can't wait for him to continue the tradition with my first grandchild...

[SandraL]

35.

Thanks for the beautiful posts and sharing your story with us. Your son will treasure these special moments spent with you. One of my favorite memories is going to Sears with my Dad. Back then they had a kiosk in the store where you coulc buy assorted candies, soda and a variety of nuts. My dad would always buy cashews. He would get a little white bag filled with warm cashews and share them with us. He passed away several years ago and there are days that I miss him terribly but i'm blessed to have wonderful memories of him.

[Sharon Sprouse]

36.

As a single mom, I raised both my daughters (ages 23 and 20) by myself and I was always rewarded with Mothers Day and Fathers Day projects from school and cards every year. I had always told my girls that I was both parents to them but in reality, I was always so worried about how this was really affecting them. My fears were laid to rest this Fathers Day when I received a message from my oldest daughter who stated that even though I was her mom, I was the best father she could have ever had and she had no regrets about how she was raised and even that she is stronger because she had seen how hard I worked to make our family successful. Needless to say, I cried and realized that being a father is a state of mind more so than anything else. I am blessed (and relieved) to know that my girls have been raised by both a mother and father regardless if they are one and the same.
I am glad that you got to share so many great memories with your father and now with your son...Happy Father's Day to you and all the "real" dads out there!!

[Renee Storch]

37.

My best memory of my Dad and I would have to be when I was a little girl. My dad used to have lots of hair then(and yes he was struck by the bald fairy :P)and almost every night he would sit on the floor in front of the couch and let me put ponytails and barrettes in hair. We would sit like that for hours. Never once did he complain or say I was hurting, he sat there with a big smile on his face enjoying every minute of it. There of course has been lots of other great memories, but this is the one that stands out in my mind above all. :)

[Heather H]

38.

I have a lot of great memories of my Dad when I was a child. One of the best ones is of the stories he used to tell my brother and I about Edgar the Flea and his family who lived in the telephone jacks in our house. My Dad is an engineer and on first meeting wouldn't really strike you as a creative type. But for years, he made up 2 stories every night (one for me, one for my brother) on topics that we chose: Edgar the Flea is a brain surgeon, Edgar is a hockey goalie etc. That is something that I need to do a layout of. My parents were visiting recently and it was fun watching my Dad hang out with my son, who is 4, and do puppet shows for him and play hide and seek.

[Joli]

39.

I love the picture of you two playing dead!! Does your wife know you let him ride on the bottom of the cart like that? Sometimes I am glad that I don't know what goes on when my husband is in charge!

Some of my favorite Dad moments happen every day when my husband comes home from work (when he gets home before the gets are in bed). Since my husbands last deployment to Iraq my kids hate to be away from him. Everyday they start screaming and running around the house when the garage door opens! Some days I join in, becuase him being home means that I get a little break from my Mommy time.

[Claire A]

40.

My most precious memory of my Dad is on my wedding day, traveling in the car to the ceremony. He held my hand the entire way which really helped put me at ease as I was incredibly nervous! Unfortunately he too passed away from cancer 9 months later so I absolutely treasure memories like that.

[holly b]

41.

I have to admit, I like my dad better as a grandfather. We weren't really close growing up, but when I see him with my children, he is so happy, and my kids love him. He has all the patience and understanding with them that I never thought he had for his own kids, and a lot of good advice for me as a parent. I think it took becoming a parent myself to fully appreciate my own dad.

[Beverly S.]

42.

I lost my dad many years ago so Father's Day is bittersweet for me. One of my fondest memories though is in the summer time he would make his "famous" strawberry ice cream. It was SOOO good and he just made up the recipe. One day while he was making it, I watched and wrote down everything he did and how much. I still make it for my family and it always makes me think of my dad. :) We had some good times and lots of laughs eating his ice cream. :)

[Beth W]

43.

Wow-memories. I lost my Dad when I was 19 and that was decades ago. He was 60 when I was born and I was his only child so he proceeded to make me the best tomboy that every lived-and I loved every minute of it. I started going fishing with him when I was 4 and those have to be my favorite memories. I was definitely a Daddy's girl.
But my favorite Daddy memory of late is when I saw my first born son holding his first born son.
My father would have been so thrilled-and better yet they both love to fish.

[paula]

44.

I lost my Dad on Thanksgiving Day 2008. Dad was a farmer and enjoyed watching wildlife. He was known to bring hurt animals into the house for Mom to tend to - most of them didn't make it. Dad taught me to enjoy watching wild life. Growing up on Sunday we would go for a pick up ride to check the cows and if we saw a deer, pheasant, whatever dad would turn off the pickup and we would sit quietly watching the animal in their element. I miss him.

[susan stringfellow]

45.

Thanks for sharing your Father moments with us. I have three boys so I can totally relate to the photo. I have many photos like that of my husband and boys.
I lost my dad a few years ago to heart disease. The good news is that he was never ill and really enjoyed his life while he was here. My little story about Daddy is so typical of our life with him. Our lakehouse flooded and when cleaning it out, he crawled into the giant AC duct with a blow torch to dry it out...yes, you heard me correctly. My sister and brother were in the house with me and we heard a big "POOF!" sound and then black smoke billowed out and Daddy was saying "its fine..." He comes out with a black face, no eyebrows and says "it's dry now". My sister was crying, my brother and I were telling him how dangerous that was. We were so mad. Now years later, it's one of our favorite stories and I so wish I had that photo to scrapbook. LOL!!!!!

[Judi]

46.

I'm really sorry you lost your Dad to cancer recently. My husband, Dave lost his fight 8 years ago. My best Dad story is about him. I had a really bad first marriage and I met Dave when my daughter was 5 years old. After a few weeks she got on Dave's knee and asked him to be her Dad, her own father had abandoned her when she was small. Dave was overwhelmed and in the fullness of time did become her Dad. By the time she was ready to marry she had been reuninited with her birth father but it was Dave she asked to walk her down the aisle and give her away. He was so proud.

Great photos of your wee boy.

[Heather]

47.

Even at 40 I am a totally Daddy's Girl. My best memories with my Dad are

We had this one magical fishing trip on Lake Sommerville when I was in 1st grade. We got up before dawn and went out to catch some serious bass. We didn't have much luck at 1st light, but then we heard this strange noise in one of the dead trees sticking out of the lake. It turned out that an owl had made it's next in the crook of this dead tree and the babies were hungry. Dad moved the boat right up next to the tree and we got to watch their fluffy white hungry selves demand food from us. Then Momma screeched at us and it was time to go.

Later on that same day we got on a big school. I caught 23 bass and he caught 25. Then I caught a catfish and said it was even. Until it finned him and he dropped it. Ooooh I was mad.

Finally, we got on another mess of fish and he was so excited hooking a big one that when he set the hook, the seat stem broke and he went overboard! Ka-splash! He's mad, the boat with the trolling motor still on is moving away. But me, I excitedly lean over and say "Hey Dad! Did you see any fish down there?!" That totally caught him off guard and he couldn't help but laugh from that point on. Once he got back in the boat, we called it a day and went home to tell our tall tales to everyone.

This is just one of many, many memories with My Dad. From coaching to camping to sneaking in Taco Villa into a dollar movie showing of The Last Starfighter, threatening boyfriends, walking me down the aisle, seeing him hold both of my preemie babies for the 1st time, then adoring and spoiling them as they grew, and all of the life lessons he shared. I love that man so.

We lost his battle with lung cancer in February, but he went out with his typical style. He was actually feeling great and had been joking with Mom while watching curling of all thing at the Olympics. That's my Dad! Living life to the utmost and making the most out of even the simplest things.

[Colleen B.]

48.

What a beautiful post today - your dad would be very proud!!! My dad only had daughters and one of the fondest memories I have is sitting on his lap as a little girl in tears because a friend was fighting with me. As girls we all know how nasty little girls can be but as a male he probably had no idea but he was so sensitive and loving.....oh, being only girls I also remember having to help service the car, mow the lawn..............LOL

[Jo]

49.

I have so many great memories of my father. I loved his story telling and his energy to jump right in and play with us. I also loved watching him be a grandfather because he was always so doting.

[Pam Bray]

50.

Loved visiting my parents after our children were born. My dad would always go with us to our car when we getting ready to leave their home. He would say his good-byes and give us our hugs, we would shut our doors all crying and get our seatbelts on and my husband would start to drive away and there would be my dad running down the street waving until we could no longer see him. What a grand memory. The kids tears would always turn to laughter and they always thought they had a silly old grandpa.

[Jess]

51.

My dad and I were very close when I was younger. I enjoyed best our after dinner chats about all kinds of things like school or what we'd been watching on the history channel.

[Katherine]

52.

Best Dad moment....there are so many for me. I was lucky growing up, my Dad was always there. But the memories I cherish the most are the Saturdays that my Dad would take me to run errands with him. This would include the liquor store, coin store, the library and sometimes the grocery store. It was my time with my Daddy. I was the youngest of 4 so I cherished time alone.

Thank you for thinking of us on Father's Day and good luck to all the other posters.

[Andrea Amu]

53.

What a lovely blog post! Brought tears to my eyes. I am so sorry that you are without your father this year. This was the 2nd Father's Day spent without my dad as well... I miss him each and every day and that ache for times spent with him never goes away! My dad was the man that I've always looked up to the most and I cherish all my memories of him! I believe I miss his laugh the most!

[Tona]

54.

I have lots of special memories of my dad. Growing up I was a tomboy...kind of the son that my dad never had, lol, while my sister was a girly girl. My dad & I would build things together or go fishing, or work in garden. He was also my softball coach for quite a few years.I also inherited my dad's sense of humor so we share a lot of inside jokes. My dad lives 2 states away now & is getting on in years which makes me a little sad but I'll always have these memories.

[Suzy]

55.

I have many memories of my Dad. Some of my favorite will always be when he would come home off of a cruise (he was a sailor in the Navy), seeing him walk down the plank in his sailor suit (the white one), him putting his hat (Dixie cup) on my head, smelling the VO5 on his head and just loving his hugs.

[Kelly]

56.

I loved hanging out with my Dad, especially in the garage. He would let me help him fix/build stuff with him. I just always loved learning how to do things and he was always so patient - this was extra helpful when I had shop class in junior high. I would not have been able to finish my projects without him!

[Christine]

57.

My dad was an amazing man. I always had so much fun with him. He lost his battle with cancer though at the age of 42 so all of my memories are of times when I was young. We actually had so many adventures and good time that I have a hard time just picking one but one weekend the rest of the family went to visit family in another state and my dad and I had to stay home for one reason or another. We spent the entire long weekend out on the boat fishing, shrimping, eating, talking, laughing, and swimming. I will never forget that weekend for as long as I live. It was probably the only time that I was with him when it was just him and me. My kids never got to meet him so it's tough for them to understand why I wish so much that they had him in their lives. He would have been the best Grandpa ever.

[Donna Coughlin]

58.

My dad was never much to get involved with the five of us, he worked hard and was a good provider though. The one fond memory I do have of my dad was him getting dressed up every year as Santa Claus and visiting us on Christmas Eve. Funny, I never though about why dad wasn't there when Santa came. Of course it wasn't until I was older that I realized it was my dad. Santa always left a gave us a gift on Christmas Eve to hold us over to the morning. One particular year I remember because I want a Twinkie doll so bad , and that Christmas Eve I received it, and it was also the first year I realized it was my dad. I had mixed feeling finding out Santa wasn't real, but also a very fond memory of a father was loved us in his own way.

[MelTallman]

59.

My father was a jokester, he could make an entire room burst into laughter. Being a mom of three boys, one girl, I so wish that my children could have gotten to know how amazing their grandfather was. I was 21 when he lost his battle with Leukemia. His sickness took us by surprise and acted very quickly. It gave us just enough time to forget our differences and express our unconditional love. I am so grateful for that time with him.
Every time I see the snow I think of my dad, and his love of skiing. He passed it on to me and I hope to be able to pass that on to my kids. He had me skiing making solo runs by the time I was six. I remember being in ski school doing my pie shape decent, playing follow the leader with fellow students. My dad scared me senseless when he came up behind me, through my legs, while he was skiing lying down. Or how about when in an elevator with a bunch of other people and my father would "let one loose", he would say "MELISSA!" in an tone that said he was shocked that I would do such things. I would turn ten shades of red and shyly put my head down in embarrassment. He was constantly playing jokes, at times it was frustrating, but I was such a serious kid, he really taught me to lighten up. I feel honored to have gotten to know him, I only wish my kids had had the opportunity. Thanks for giving me the opertunity to reminisce. Happy Father's Day!

[Kim M]

60.

Glad to know my child isn't the only one to lay down in the toilet paper aisle, lol! Gosh, there are so many moments with my dad that bring a smile to my face. I lost my dad 8 years ago but the memories are just as fresh now as they ever were. I think what sticks out the most to me is just those small things, like how my dad in spite of working two jobs, always, always had time to spend with us, he taught me how to ride my bike, how to ride a motorycle, how to water ski, all those little one on one moments just me and my dad, oh how I miss those.

[JUDY RAY]

61.

I miss by dad and it has been 10 years since he lost his battle with heart disease. I have wonderful memories of all the talks we had, the trips we took and the special times together. It reminds me how important it is to scrap those special people in our lives and the times we have toghether.

[LinaH]

62.

My favorite dad memory is my dad carrying me on his shoulders walking around Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco. I remember being able to see everything and was happy I didn't have to walk amongst the crowd. It meant the world to me.

[b]

63.

I love the pics of Jax...and your fun times!

These moments happen so fast and you should pat yourself on the back for capturing as much of it as you can!!!

I think my favorite moments are just the smallest thing!

When me and my sister were little....we used to LOVE sandwich kissing my dad...when my mom was trying to take a picture!

Now, I love looking back on those! So cute.

And, come to think of it, we haven't done that in a while...maybe at the next get together :)

[ilze]

64.

I also have very small but really good memory times with my dad. He always would find time for us to play or just spend time with us. I remeber that we loved to play hide and seek in our yard and dad would find great places to hide or when he would seek he would make it so much fun. I love those memories with him :)

[Patricia Folchert]

65.

Wonderful post love the photos of Jax! Thanks for sharing that.

My father is the best dad anyone could ask for, he has always been there for me. One of my favorite moments with him was when he woke me up really early and took me to our local balloon festival to try and catch a hot air balloon ride. We were lucky enough to find one open and got to ride up high in the Colorado sky. It was so peaceful and beautiful- I will never forget that moment.

[Kelly Massman]

66.

One of my best Dad moments was when I had my own son. Prior to his actual birth, we had several false alarms. On the actual day that my son was born, there was a huge flood that blocked almost every way that my mom and dad could get to where I was living at the time. My dad worked very hard and figured out the only possible way and made it with 10 minutes to spare! He's the best!

[Renee Lamb]

67.

Well, I am a result of a Mom who played dual roles but I am super lucky to have a wonderful Grandfather (my Mom's Dad) who easily filled the man role for me. This man I hold high high on a pedestal and love him more than anything. The fondest memory I have with him is when he would take us out on the farm with him and let us be his farmhands. The best part was being able to drive the pickup at the tender age of 8!! He would let us sit in his lap while he did the pedals because we couldn't quite reach them yet!

[Beverly Jordan]

68.

My best father-daughter memory was helping my father grieve through loosing my mom to cancer. My husband and I flew my Dad up to his alma mater, UT, to watch the SEC championship game against our alma mater, UF. We were on a charter flight and met his buddy in Knoxville, TN for lunch before the game and reminisced about old times. It was great to help him reconnect and have a great time cheering UT. It brought us closer because of the sharing.

[Jill]

69.

The best dad moment I remember is from when my daughter was born on June 8th. She was only 4 weeks early but had issues breathing. She spent several days in the NICU until they said that her homing was soon in sight. That Sunday was Father's Day. I was so bummed that I hadnt been able to get out and even get hubby a card or make him anything nice because we had been spending so much time at the hospital. When we got there that morning they said today was the day! My husband said it was the best father's day ever.

[Ola Jaggers]

70.

I love your post... very sweet!!

I love my dad! I'm the youngest of 4 children & the only girl. I've been a daddies girl all my life & I don't think that will ever change.

I found out I was pregnant when I was 16 years old..... I was so scared to tell my dad, but he came to me first & asked me if I was pregnant. I broke down right there & couldn't even talk. That's when he took me in one of those "big dad hugs" & told me (& showed) me right then there that everything would be fine. We would all get through thsi together as a family.

My dad (and my mom) has been there for me every step of the way. My son is now 10 yrs. old & getting ready to enter into the 5th grade. I love to see him & my dad together, they are attached at the hip and I see that cycle of my relationship with my dad carrying over to my son. My dad helped me so much through the hard times.... and we've enjoyed all the good times!!!

I love this post.... thanks for asking us to share!

Happy Father's Day to all the Fathers out there & especially to my Dad!!

~Ola
okj83 at live dot com

[Shawn Wenrich]

71.

I have many great memories of my Dad and we became so much closer the last 5 years of his life than we had every been. I am immensely happy about that. But the moment I want to mention is about my husband. My daughter was two days old when we came home from the hospital. We had the camera out, of course, and I wanted a photo of the new Daddy holding his daughter. It's not the best picture by any stretch but the expression on his face says it all. I still look back on that photo with strong feelings. It's been almost 11 years now and he's proven his love for her day after day. So glad he's mine!

[Shawn Wenrich]

72.

I have many great memories of my Dad and we became so much closer the last 5 years of his life than we had every been. I am immensely happy about that. But the moment I want to mention is about my husband. My daughter was two days old when we came home from the hospital. We had the camera out, of course, and I wanted a photo of the new Daddy holding his daughter. It's not the best picture by any stretch but the expression on his face says it all. I still look back on that photo with strong feelings. It's been almost 11 years now and he's proven his love for her day after day. So glad he's mine!

[irene]

73.

I love your story about you, yor dad and your son. So sorry for your loss. I can image that this fathersday wa so much different then the ones before. But it's wonderful to hear you talk about your dad, he was definitly your Hero. Love your stories about doing groceries with your boy Jax. Te pictures you took made me laugh. It shows that your his hero ;)

My most favorite memory of my dad is always playing with us when we were little at the beach, swimming, fishing, always having fun. He's still in our lives and I'm greatful for that. Last spring he took us (our whole family of 14) to Spain. We had a week of fun on the beach again. Not only with us the kids, but also with the grandkids. I'll hope we'll be able to do that again someday soon. Love these family memories. Bye Irene from the Netherlands

[Diane]

74.

My parents divorced when I was very young, so I don't have very many memories of my dad. We got to know each other when I was 21 years old. We lived on opposite sides of the country, so there wasn't a lot of time spent together but I was able to be with my dad when he passed away and am thankful for that.

[CarolN]

75.

My favorite Father's Day moment happened just last year (2009). It was the first for my son as a Dad. And when his beautiful little daughter woke that morning and both Mommy and Daddy went to the crib, she looked at both of them and raised her little arms to Daddy as if to say, "I know today is special. Happy Father's Day."

While I wasn't in the room, I've heard the story several times from both the Daddy and the Mommy. It always puts a smile on my face.

Then, of course, there used to be Father's Day celebrations with my own Dad. The think I remember most about Father's Day with Dad is that for every one he never wanted anything. Well, almost nothing. Whenever he was asked, he always said, "I just want love." So, one year, I wrote LOVE on a paper and wrapped it in the biggest box I could find. When he opened it, he started laughing and said, "guess you got me this time." He started asking for hugs after that!

Thanks for the chance to tell my stories.

[Janet]

76.

Unfortunately I lost my dad when I was very young to cancer so I do not have alot of memories of him. My mom raised me as a single parent so she was my mom and dad. I would have loved to know my father.

[kathleen]

77.

I lost my father when i was just 15 but some of my best memories of him were when we just hung around the house on a Saturday to watch the Munsters. I loved to hear my dad laugh at Herman who actually reminded me of my dad!

[Brianne N]

78.

Thank you for such an awesome post and a great giveaway!

My Dad has always been my hero. He was always really busy with coaching hockey for AAA teams so I would take my homework with me every day to the rink just to be able to "spend time" with him even though we never really got a chance to talk while I was there. I used to think he never really noticed that but during a speech at my wedding, he brought it up and said how he always drew strength from my steadfastness and support. He is an amazing man and I will forever look up to him.

[Kristen]

79.

My dad has always been so great...but I think my best moments have been watching him be an amazing grandpa to my three boys. He totally digs them and they love him so much. I'm sorry to hear of your loss, Thom.

[Vicki Morris]

80.

I lost my dad to cancer last year and Father's Day is a hard day to get through. But it is a day I remember all the good things (even though at the time I might have thought they were bad things but when I became a parent, I saw it for what it was, love and wanting me to be a good person). What really sticks out right now though is how right after my dad had his first brain surgery, he flew down here to attend my daughters wedding. No way was he missing his granddaughters wedding. He was the life of the party. I received so many compliments on how friendly and warm he was and how he really knew how to have fun. All this battling brain cancer. So I say thanks Dad for a great memory. I miss you and love you very much.

[Vicki Morris]

81.

I lost my dad to cancer last year and Father's Day is a hard day to get through. But it is a day I remember all the good things (even though at the time I might have thought they were bad things but when I became a parent, I saw it for what it was, love and wanting me to be a good person). What really sticks out right now though is how right after my dad had his first brain surgery, he flew down here to attend my daughters wedding. No way was he missing his granddaughters wedding. He was the life of the party. I received so many compliments on how friendly and warm he was and how he really knew how to have fun. All this battling brain cancer. So I say thanks Dad for a great memory. I miss you and love you very much.

[Dell]

82.

I have my own kids now, but when I was young I remember my Dad taking me on many of his everyday errands. He could of left me home with mom, but he took me with him when he could. I love that memory.

[cropnmoomsie]

83.

My Dad passed away thirty years ago this October. My girls were very young but he still made an impression in their lives. I love it when they say something about Papa, showing how much they remember about him. Just goes to show what a special man he was.

[Leslie Reven]

84.

I have so many good memories with my dad! My father passed away in 2006 after a long battle with a less common form of dementia and towards the end Parkinson's.
My father LOVED music, and in particular...disco music! LOL. So often people make jokes about the disco music that pops up on my iPod, but I love keeping it on there and remembering all the times we danced together. We were not the father/daughter slow dance duo. No, we were the -there is no way we can sit here and not jump up and dance to YMCA duo. :) And later, he added the marcarena to his dance moves. :) Towards the end of his life he was very confused and didn't know who people were most of the time. My adult daughters went with me to visit him on one occasion and we made a cd of ABBA music. When we turned it on, he had an instant smile! My daughters stood at each side of his bed and danced and he just smiled and moved every part of his body he could manage to get to move. :)
When I went to see Mama Mia at the movies, it all came rushing back and although I cried like a baby, it was all because of good memories of dancing with my dad.

[Cynthia B.]

85.

I'm so sorry to hear about your dad's passing. It's clear that he was a great role model in parenting, because your time with your own son looks very precious to you!

As for my own dad, there are so many little moments that I remember about him while my sisters and I were growing up...these moments are all the more precious now that he can't get around like he used to. Some of those moments include:
- his being the lone male in the house with four women (!)
- his teaching all of us how to drive...white knuckles and all. ;)
- his not having a sweet tooth...except for Hershey's chocolate kisses
- his moving thousands of miles from home to give his family a better life
- My dad will always be the first man in my life. :)

Happy Father's Day to all the great dads out there!!

[Kimberly Parsons]

86.

I want to wish all the dad's out there a Happy Father's Day! But I can't really relate, because I grew up without my dad! Let's just say it wasn't due to death. He made his choice and that's where it ends. I had a great mom who made up for not having a dad. She did everything a dad would from coaching baseball and teaching me to drive! My Mom is the best dad ever!
Love you mom!!!

[Kai]

87.

Happy Fathers' Day!

While I have many good memories of growing up with my dad, one always comes to the top of my heart when I think way back about how much he cares about me. I was very sick at one point in time, having several bouts of tonisilitis as a kid. On this one particular time, I remember feeling so awful laying on the couch, just crying I was so miserable. And I remember my dad kneeling down before he went to work that day kissing me and asking me what he could do to help me feel better. I said, "I want a puppy." His eyes were so sad and I didn't know why (much later I realized it was because we couldn't have a puppy or dog at that time). When he got home that evening he came back over to me on the couch and woke me up. I rolled over and he pulled out a little St. Bernard puppy stuffed animal. It wasn't truly what I had asked for, but it was at the same time, and exactly what my father could provide. I wonder now, what he had thought about all day and where he ended up going to get that stuffed animal, as his job was construction work and we didn't have malls or stores like that close by. That stuffed animal (named Bernard)has been in my possession ever since. Even now that I'm 40, I still have him! And when I look at him, I just feel in my heart how much my dad loved/loves me!

[lisa]

88.

for me, i just love hanging out with me dad. he'll still do anything for me! if i mention something i'm interested in, in a week or so, it just shows up! if i need help with something, he's there. he still calls me Baby Girl, even though i'm 38 years old.

I can remember one specific day as a teenager, crying over some broken heart by some stupid boy. Dad said 'you know i know people who can take care of him' - i laughed, knowing that he probably was telling the truth!!

[Stephanie Drenth]

89.

I first want to say I'm so sorry for your lost. I lost my mom last summer, 6/5/2009, after a courageous battle of Bile Duct cancer - she survived Breast Cancer in 2004. During the 18 months my mom was sick, my dad stuck by her side though everything - all the chemo & radiation treatments, doctor appointments, and overnight hospital stays. He always made sure that she was being taken care of right and would take action right away if he thought something wasn’t right. He was traveling a lot so he stopped traveling, bought a home office setup and worked from home to help take care of my mom. I know how bad he was hurting inside but he never once showed his weak side around us "kids" - I was 24 and my bro & sis (twins) were 22. He never left her side and remained strong for the entire family. He was my mom's Rock, and our hero. I love my dad so much and admire his strength and courage.

[Stephanie Drenth]

90.

I first want to say I'm so sorry for your lost. I lost my mom last summer, 6/5/2009, after a courageous battle of Bile Duct cancer - she survived Breast Cancer in 2004. During the 18 months my mom was sick, my dad stuck by her side though everything - all the chemo & radiation treatments, doctor appointments, and overnight hospital stays. He always made sure that she was being taken care of right and would take action right away if he thought something wasn’t right. He was traveling a lot so he stopped traveling, bought a home office setup and worked from home to help take care of my mom. I know how bad he was hurting inside but he never once showed his weak side around us "kids" - I was 24 and my bro & sis (twins) were 22. He never left her side and remained strong for the entire family. He was my mom's Rock, and our hero. I love my dad so much and admire his strength and courage.

[lizzie]

91.

every summer i would go see my dad... my mom and dad are divorced so it was fun to get to spend the summers with him... i remember one time for father's day me and my lil brother and sister running around walmart trying to find him a gift! it was so funny and we were so scattered with ideas... i can't remember what we got him (lol) but it was fun to spend time with my siblings i never got to see... and to get something awesome for my dad that i rarely got to see as well. happy father's day daddy!!

[Joyce]

92.

What a nice post for today. And so glad you have awesome well preserved memories of your Dad, and thanks for sharing them with us.

My Dad is just awesome. He has really become the glue for our entire family. Each year on Father's Day he hosts a family reunion in honor of his Mother who's wish was that the reunion continued even after she was gone. So today we spent the day picnicing and catching up with family we only see once a year unless there is a special ocaision. That is just one thing that makes him special.

We have vacationed together for the last several years, it's so funny that although he claims to not like to be waited on, he sure does make sure we get photos with him and the servers.

[Dianna]

93.

My best dad moment was helping my dad paint the house about 12 years ago. We were cleaning out his desk drawers when I came upon a small list of license plate numbers. The bottom number looked familiar; it was the plate number to my now husband. I asked my dad what the list was and he just smiled and asked me what he always did when I went out with a boy...

I remembered that he always embarrased me by going out to the car with us and watching us drive away. It donned on me that he was getting the license plate number of the car I was leaving in. That list is still in the desk drawer and it will stay there!

Happy Father's Day, Thom!

[Jessi W]

94.

Some of my favorite dad's moments were small ones...him playing with us in our kiddie pool, playing cards or monopoly, and just spending that time with us...those are the moments that really count!! What a beautiful post and sentiment about today:)

[Denise T]

95.

I am so sorry for your recent loss - my dad died unexpectedly 3 years ago and sometimes the emotions still take me by surprise when reading about others who have lost their dads. My favorite memory is when my sister and I enjoyed a few days with our mom and dad in Las Vegas without our spouses and young children. My dad, just as he did when we were young, would slip us money every morning of our trip so that we could play games (slots). My dad was not one for demonstrative expressions of love but these were the things that he did to show us how much he loved us.

[Sue Fields]

96.

I don't know if this counts but I went AS MY DAD to a superhero party. I dressed like him, wore plaid burmudas, a plaid shirt of hubbys, hubby's black socks and his black shoes....looked just like my dad :) He may not be a GQ dresser but he's GQ in every other way. Stops whatever he is doing to help any of us (his kids, grandkids, great-grankids) or just plain hang out! He's a wonderful example and I'm so very blessed to have him as my DAD!! He really is my superhero!

[Amy Megan]

97.

(dictated to Mom from Amy, our avid tween scrapbooker)....I love my dad so much. He is my hero as a firefighter/paramedic. As a dad, I love spending time in the pool playing water rugby - we've been doing that all week. Then coming in and playing WII games. He's teaching me how to play guitar too. When things aren't going right, my Dad cheers me up by taking me out for ice cream or to the beach. I have a world full of happy memories with my dad and I love him to the moon and back.

[melissa]

98.

My most precious memory of my Dad, was how he used to take me to this local market every Saturday morning.I used to collect old coins and bangles and each week he would buy me something to add to my collections.I was only 7 at the time, and sadly he died not long after that of Bowel cancer, so my moments with him are so precious to me.I have scrapped quite a few LO's on our special relationship.
I just love what you are doing for Jax, you are one very special Dad.Happy Father's day

[wendi r]

99.

I think one of the best memories of my father is by the example of what a wonderful father he is to me. He has the best sense of humor in the world, not only to make you smile and a miserable and horrible day, but just in hanging out and chatting with him. He is a trooper of a father of 5 girls, and taught us all to play sports and attended EVERY soccer game I was ever in, sitting in the rain, the wind, the cold, at night, and early in the morning.. It was sooo nice to always see my father in the stands. He was hands on, always there, always supporting me at whatever I did or was at, and always had words of encoragement to boost me up. He was an example of a religous man, one showing an importance of loving our Savior and respect for it. He was fun to play games with, taught me how to budget and use coupons, and to just be amazing.. thanks dad.

[marcia]

100.

My mom worked out of the house, so before I was old enuf to goto school, daddy used to take me with him everywhere - as a farmer, he had that flexibility! :) So some of my fave memories are riding on the tractor with him, singing to the tunes on the radio, and going to the coffee shop for gossip hour each day. I miss him calling me George (yes, I'm a girl, and no, that's not my name) or Little Guy (he was Big Guy to me). And I will always treasure that look of love and pride I saw in his eyes.