My family doesn't usually make a big deal out of such things, but my boys (19 and 16) did something damn thoughtful and special this year.

They went and bought me three disc golf discs (driver, mid-range disc and putter) and a bag. They then took me out and we played 18 holes.

It was a helluva lot of fun, good exercise and (best of all) no greens fees. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />


So, how about the rest of you dads? How was the day?

Well, we had four generations at the dinner table. And, it was the first Fathers Day I have spent with my dad in 44 years.

What is special is that two months ago dad was in intensive care with blood poisoning from an infected gall bladder compounded with congestive heart failure.

The blessing is he is returning to his cantankerous old self and will soon celebrate his 87 birthday.

My son and I went to a local county park with a mountain bike trail and went for a ride.
He just turned 12 and one of his birthday presents was a new-to-him mountain bike.
We tuned up his bike, replaced tires on mine, and had some fun on the trail.

Spent time at the lake with family. Just fine day in the sun... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Woke up to pancakes & bacon courtesy of the wife and almost-2-y.o. daughter. Then spent a couple hours working on the 4runner replacing various parts of the parking brake bell cranks so the mechanism works properly. Still needs a little adjustment at the intermediate lever but at least the parts all move freely now. Enjoyed the afternoon pretty lazily in the back yard, was 80*F, sunny and no humidity. Lasagna for dinner. Can't complain. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I've been a father for 22 of my 44 years. 6 kids total, ages 22-5. This was probably the best Father's Day ever. Friday our city park had a big shindig for Dad's and their kids. We spent 7 hours in the park. Free food, batting cages, putt-putt and rides. They had some hands on activities too. All the little kids built birdhouses. Saturday we hung out in the country on my cousin's farm. The kids rode dirtbikes, while my cousin and I worked (unsuccessfully) to get their little quad running. Sunday after church we fished in the river for about 5 hours. Came home and the wife grilled up steaks and potatoes. My two youngest boys made me some cool cards/pictures. My youngest daughter had won a gift cerftificate earlier this year to an excellent bakery. She saved it to buy me a cake for Father's Day (She's so sweet). My next to youngest brought me and OSU balloon (that she took from a graduation party. lol She's not quite as sweet). My oldest two bought me a pair of Doc Marten's. Very cool.

The only downside was that I didn't get to spend any time with my Dad. He was busy all weekend, and our schedules never worked out. I got him a sappy card (meant every word of it), and gave him two pairs of goggles for riding his 'cycle.

Life is so wonderful when enjoyed with loved ones, and life is so very fragile. I wish I could truly appreciate how blessed I am more often. Too often I get caught up in the worldly view of things, and find myself [censored] about stuff that doesn't matter at all.