My Dad has always been my mentor and hero! He has several notable career and life accomplishments, but most important to him is his role as father and grandfather. A few weeks ago, my Dad turned 80 years old and I took the lead in coordinating an amazing virtual celebration for my hero.
We had two weeks to plan and we wanted this birthday to be special. With the help of my brothers and sisters, we came up with an agenda that made for a fun time. There was a trivia game titled ‘How well do you know dad’ and a video/photo montage that made everyone smile.
Everything went as planned and we all had a great time. Toward the end of the virtual gathering everyone took turns wishing Dad a happy birthday and expressing just how much he means to them.
What I realized is that there are still things that I didn’t know about my Dad.
I didn’t know that he served not only as a great father figure to his children but also to four out of his nine siblings. After the tragic death of my grandfather, my Dad who was 13 years old at the time was the oldest male in the home. He managed the family grocery store, continued to make straights A’s in school, and pretty much took on the role of the second parent in the home. My aunts said that they never longed for a father figure growing up because he stepped in and filled that void. I can’t imagine taking on that kind of responsibility at that age.
This birthday celebration couldn’t have been any better. Even if we weren’t in a pandemic, I’m not sure we could have assembled so many loved ones together for such an unforgettable experience. It was a great night, filled with laughter, genuine love, and admiration. My Dad couldn’t have been more pleased.
It turned out to be an amazing virtual celebration and was a testament to the wonderful man he is. He is deserving of so much because he has always been there for us all. A very humble man who always led by example, he made a mark on so many lives. I am thankful that he is in my life and I get to call him Dad. I am forever grateful that he modeled what fatherhood looks like. It is his model that I follow now that I am a father. I make my tweaks and edit the formula. But at the core, he’s given me the roadmap. Thanks, Dad.
Have you had successful virtual celebrations during the pandemic?
With Intention,
Sean and Simone
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What a wonderful story you shared, cousin! I can imagine it was definitely a special day. We experienced our first virtual event last summer with our virtual baby shower during Covid. My only regret is forgetting to record it. The well wishes we received, the games we played, to the the prayers that were said over us and everyone that attended virtually was something we will cherish forever. Happy Belated Birthday to your dad!!! 🥳
Cousin, sounds like you all had an awesome time! Similar to your experience, we had some technical issues too, and were only able to record a portion of the virtual birthday party. But seeing the smile on my dad’s face and the love that he felt is something that I will cherish forever. Thanks for reading and commenting. We appreciate you!
Happy belated Birthday to your dad! I am glad it was a successful virtual celebration! We have had a few celebrations but they are still not the same as in person and so some we are waiting to do after this is done.
It is funny you learnt something new from your dad it is amazing to think you know somebody so well but yet not know everything and still learn amazing new things about them. Sounds like an amazing person!
Thank you so very much, Fred! I know what you mean, its not the same. We look forward to getting back to some sense of normalcy. I really thought I knew everything about my dad. But I guess that’s impossible for any relationship. Thanks for reading and commenting. We appreciate you!
As a daddy’s girl to the core, this touched my soul in too many ways to humanely express. But, her goes…
I love that man and enjoy simply calling or messaging him JUST to say: ‘I love you, dad’. A few years ago, I realized how important men need emotional assurance and support from the women they love dearly. So, I do it more often. One of the best statements was: ‘I’m so glad you’re my dad. I thank God for our special relationship and love you so much. You’re my heartbeat’. His reply is what made me solidify how important words AND actions are even as a grown woman. I believe it’s one of the most important relationships in a woman’s life. It molds us in so many ways……
I’m elated my ZG has you as her dad. I’m here to tell you, she needs you now and even more as a grown woman. She adores you, too, lol.
Continue to cherish those moments with your dad. I’m sure he’s proud of you, too. Happy Belated Birthday to your hero and mentor.
Wow, thanks so much, Shonda! This means a lot. I was really hopeful that I would have a daughter and when that hope and dream happened, I was over the moon. Reading your sentiments about your dad just gives me, even more, to look forward to. Glad you have that special connection with your dad. Thanks for sharing and again, thanks for your kind words. We appreciate you!