The Saturday Journal: Buy the Father's Day Card

tathelmillerwriter
Jun 20
3 min read

My Daddy always said, 'don't buy me a gift. Just get me a card if you want to get me something.'

I stood in front of the Father's Day cards display--and for the first time in my life, I had no need in buying a Father's Day card. And tears washed my face--

My Daddy's passing was still raw--hard to believe--he passed away suddenly on a cold March Friday. And here it was, already June--Sunday and Father's Day. The days leading up to this first Father's Day without my Daddy--I said to myself--you can be strong--you are strong. But when the Sabbath sun rose on Father's Day--I was a mess. I sat out on my little porch--in the rocking chair my Daddy had painted for me and sobbed.

There was no way I could go to church--no way I could sit through the Father's Day Special Recognition Service--look anyone in the eye--much less talk to them. So I stayed there on my little porch for the biggest part of the day--numb.

I've been cleaning--decluttering. I don't have collectibles or what-nots so to speak--but what I do have is an abundance of photos and books and papers and notes and notebooks from college and old newspaper clippings and cards and letters and journals and special drawings from my kids and grandkids. It's hard for me to get rid of anything I hold close to my heart--known sometimes only to me as--special treasures.

Daddy--he saved his cards.

A few months ago Mama had been doing some of the same cleaning and she brought me an envelope full of photos and cards and other newspaper clippings she had found that she thought would be personal--special to me. And in that envelope was a card I had given Daddy for Father's Day--one I had forgotten.

Normally I didn't write anything in his birthday and Father's Day cards--I let the "mass produced" words in the cards speak my heart. But this one particular card was different. Sadly, I don't remember the exact year of the card--I'm thinking 2006.....

Daddy,

I don't have the words to describe how much I have appreciated your help, especially over the past year. Over the years I have learned so much from you. I've learned it's ok to be different and always respect the common man. Every time I tell someone who my Dad is, if they know you, they smile and say, 'He's a good one. I am very proud to be your daughter.

I thank you for teaching me the value of hard work and not being afraid to get my hands dirty and if my back hurts you keep going. I thank you for sharing your love of music and the love of the outdoors with me.

As I grow older I realize more and more that material things don't mean too much to me. What matters the most is our relationships with God and with our families. Thank you for being a great Grandpa or "Papa" to my children. They both love you very much as I do too.

I love you,

Tathel

Over the years since Daddy left this earth for his heavenly home, I have struggled with the belief I didn't tell him often enough how much I appreciated him--loved him. I still do.

But as I sit here in my childhood home, on the very couch where he took his last breath--I'm writing these words--a few days before Father's Day and I am grateful for the blessing of a saved card with my words I know my Daddy once read, and for the gift he was to me, my family, and to others.