A Father’s Day Weekend to Remember

I was all packed up, ready to go, the canoe strapped to the top of my vehicle, my gear organized just the way I liked it. Fishing lures and rod checked for flaws, you don’t want the big one to get away. Yet as I sat on my bed booking all the lakes I wanted to stay on something in my gut was telling me to stay home this time, there is something more important for you to do over the next couple days. The pictures on the wall told me the same thing, those pictures staring back at me are the two sons I was blessed to have. This weekend was Fathers day, in the past I would consider it a day where Dad gets his say and if I wanted to hang out on some lake then off I go. As time moves along kids naturally go off and get their own lives, fair enough, I did the same, but as I think about the posts I have written I talk about making sure I spend it with those I love the most and I can’t think of two young men who deserve my time more than anybody.

As luck would have it my oldest boy text me on Thursday and let me know that he had the day off on Saturday. That was the absolute deal breaker for camping, he has lived away from home for almost two years and during that time between school and working the time we spend together is limited. Instead of having a Fathers day we kinda broke it up into a weekend, lucky me! I have plenty of water around me at home, so my youngest and I grabbed the tandem canoe on Friday and set out for a evening paddle on the Thames river. I do know why I head north during these months for camping trips, but after 15 minutes of being on the river with my son I also know that there is plenty of beauty in this area to explore and who better to do it with. After three hours on the river the sun was starting to set and the bugs becoming more lively we headed back to the car, an excellent way to spend a beautiful night.

Saturday came and off Gavin and I went to meet up with my oldest, Logan, in Brantford where he still lives. After a quick lunch at Chuck’s Roadhouse the three of us headed down to the Grand river to run a familiar stretch of water I’ve done many times. This time was a little different it had been about four years since being here, but also the first time all three of us had done this trip together. We were blessed with great weather again, even a slight tailwind to make then paddle a little easier. It was the perfect gift a dad could ask for, no present, money or card can duplicate sitting in the stern of a canoe with the sun high above and listening as your two boys catch up with each other, laugh and get along as we meander down the river, so much so I barely spoke preferring to just take in the day and that moment, mental pictures I’ll take with me forever. Only reminding them both once in a while to put the paddle in the water while they reminisced. With the paddle complete in about three hours and after a walk back to get the vehicle and the day nearing its end we stopped for a quick drink and then to drop Logan back off, say good-bye and head back home. The perfect day a Dad could ask for!!

After a late rise on Sunday morning, it was time for a golf game with my Mom, Step-Dad and Uncle at the Mitchell course here in town a great four spent on another beautiful day, not the best round of golf ever, but good company makes up for it. After the game a few drinks and nice meal would mark the end of the day. After an evening phone call to my Dad, who’s coming in Wednesday for my 50th I was ready for bed. My weekend got extended to another day, Tracy took me out to lunch on the patio of a local restaurant. Fantastic food and a couple cold drinks and once gain the best company. Lucky guy, eh? One day strung out over four? I’ll take it and it’s just those simple things that make it great, no gifts or cards, little money spent, just TIME the most important commodity. The joy of conversation, spending the time with those closest. Listening to my boys talk about life and I’m reminded of how far we’ve all come. Some people judge success on a big house, nice car, lots of money, cool toys, while that’s nice and all I think we forget what real success is and to me it’s the answer to one question. “Are you happy?” as I write this there is a smile on my face, Yes… after that weekend I’m very happy. Happy belated Father’s Day to all the Dads out there. Cheers Steve I’ll leave ya with a short poem.

The sun shines down, paddle in hand

Scenery around me is striking and pristine

I look ahead from the stern and see the most precious site

No, it’s not the water, a mountain, or even wildlife

It’s my two sons with also paddles in hand

They join me on this trip, short as it may be

It’s one like this that really make me clearly see

My heart is full and I’m as happy as can be

Days like this my illness doesn’t stand a chance

This is the best type of medicine, this joy inside of me

” My Boys”