June 20th 2010
Asked to think about what I want for Father’s day I find myself stumped. I could use a fancy hi-tech hydrolic cyber charged cell phone with GPS and super powerful tweet speeds. There’s always room for one more three pack of underwear or tube socks. I got a couple of lawn chairs one year and that is still one of the more useful and fun gifts. This father’s day I woke up early after two happy Father’s day text’s from two people neither of them one of my children; me the boys, Brandon and Bobby get lost driving to Brandon’s soccer game. The sun is bright and merciless as we bake watching ninety minutes of soccer. We get stuck in tunnel traffic returning home. Tired and sun scorched we stop at a local Wendy’s and sit in the car eating and talking. We return home and collapse in front of the television watching what else, World cup soccer. The telephone rings my son answers and the one sided conversation is clearly plotting. I smile knowingly and realize that no matter what “gift” I may or may not receive this day I have been royally rewarded. I get to spend precious time with my children in pursuit of joy. The million soccer/softball/baseball/track/bowling/plays/chorus/band/swimming at the beach/pool/backyard playing catch and helping with homework it is these moments that are the gifts that our children give us while they grow. My Father’s Day gift is the simple joy of experiencing the love of my children/grandchildren and family. Nothing tops that for things come and go while our love for those near and dear to us is eternal. The greatest lesson that I have learned through adoption is not all that I have lost as an adoptee or even all that I have gained from all of my children, the greatest lesson that adoption has taught me is that love is a choice best made with your eyes open and your spirit willing.
