After interviewing many different dads and grandfathers over the last few years about life, work, parenting and the juggle of making it all work, one thing is clear: Dads are good at bringing the fun. Whether it's a roadtrip with the kids piled in the station wagon, camping out under the stars in the national parks, building sandcastles on the beach, or just playing water tag in the backyard, dads are great at planning adventures and bringing play into our lives.
Play can take on different forms. For my foodie husband (and father of two), it's often checking out new restaurants and exploring the open road. He is the 'Master Planner' in our house, plotting most of our vacation destinations and how to get there, booking hotel arrangements and restaurants months in advance. Of the two of us, he is the first to crack a joke, wrestle with the kids, and generally make us all laugh.
When I think back to my own dad who passed away in 2015, I think of his hilarious one-liners, his smirk and winks, and huge bear hugs. He wasn't always the happiest guy but he was quick with a joke and loved to decompress on the golf course or on his piano bench. Though I most likely groaned at the Gershwin tunes playing at all hours in our house, now I would give anything to hear him play again.
What are your favorite memories of your dad or grandpa, and do they involve some form of play?
Happy early Father's Day all the dads and father figures in our lives. Thanks for making life a little more fun.