Weekends With Him…

Growing up, I only had the weekends to spend with my dad, which made those two days something completely different than what my friends were experiencing. By Thursday each week the anticipation would build up and I would be beyond excited for him to pick me up on Friday afternoon. Fridays were my favorite day of the week hands down because, back then, I knew w it was going to be the start of a fun weekend. As I’ve gotten older I now realize that they were indeed fun weekends, but I think what made them so special was the unconditional love my dad showered me with.

My dad was amazing at finding things for us to do on the weekends.  As soon as the sun would come up, we would be backing the boat down the ramp and hopping in to try our luck at fishing. I remember plenty of times that I caught more fish than him, but I bet in reality he was just making me feel that way, because my happiness and feeling of self worth was always his number one priority. That’s just the kind of man he was. I felt like the captain of that Ranger Bass Master Classic whenever dad let me take the wheel, and the thrill of shooting that “Rooster Tail” behind the boat was something I would never forget.

But it wasn’t just the lake that made weekends with him so memorable. In his small apartment, I would wake up on Saturday mornings to watch cartoons and then we would head out to which ever breakfast spot dad thought sounded good, which he always knew the best spots. I can still remember playing hot wheels on the walked down carpet like it was yesterday and playing with my Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles out on the balcony. Outside, we would work on his truck in the apartment parking lot, I would watch my dad methodically work to ensure that everything was taken apart and put back together perfectly. There was no throwing tools or the use of choice words with my dad. Not even when I was the one holding the flash light. He was so patient and loving with me.

Sunday’s never had good timing, as I would start to pack my bag back up, tears would often fill my eyes, wishing I could stay with him and see him more often. His love and attention made me feel cherished and special, and he never hesitated to express his affection, constantly reminding me of his love.

While my friends might have taken weekends for granted, for me, they were a precious gift, a time where memories with my dad were made. Looking back, those weekends with him were the foundation of our bond, a bond that would only grow stronger day after day.

Today, I carry those weekend memories with me, and they continue to shape my life. They taught me the value of quality time and unconditional love, and they remind me to cherish every moment with the people I care about. The weekends with him were not just adventures; they were life lessons on what’s truly important in life.

So I urge you to take stock of what really matters in your life. Spend that quality time with your kids every chance you get, keep it light hearted and fun, be a goof ball with them and always be patient when they’re holding the flashlight. They’ll never forget it. 

I love you Dad and miss you every day.

- Your “Bud”