Today I got to thinking, and for me that could be a dangerous thing. I woke up as usual with the sun... let the dogs out, put the coffee on and turned on the television to watch my Sunday morning political shows. All this after my vain attempt to add a new position to my yoga routine as I listened to the sounds of my hubby's sleep-apnea chortles.
Yes, it's Fathers Day, and I guess I would feel differently if I were a father, or my husband was a father... but all we have are our "fur-babies" and they did not seem to notice the difference or importance of such a momentous occasion.
This is where my dangerous thinking comes in to play... How many people went out of their way to do something for a father figure in their life today? Did you visit your dad? buy him a present? Mourn his passing? Why today and not yesterday or tomorrow?
Why? Because you fell into the trap of guilt set by successful marketers and advertising campaigns for your almighty dollar. Why any "special occasion" expense of time, money and false appeasements to ease one from the guilt that the other 364 days of the year aren't just as special?
This hit me hard as I watched Meet the Press and the dedication to Tim Russert, who for the past 20 years or so has been a friend inside the box, informing me on the things that really have an affect on my life and keeping many politicians as honest as possible. Tim died suddenly on Friday at work, after a well earned vacation and graduation present trip for his son's graduation from college.
All the tributes and real, honest emotion of many who knew him personally as well as professionally had one thing they said in common... and that was he was first and foremost a family man, that cared for his family and everyone he came in contact and their family all the time. No matter who he interviewed, worked with or saw, he always asked about their family and especially their kids. Here was a man who had his priorities straight. Family always came first, and being successful took time, dedication, preparation and hard work.
When I heard of Tim Russert's passing on Friday, I was shocked at the news, but did not realize the impact of his loss until today - when it hit me that he will no longer be that comfort in the chaos on Sunday mornings... I considered him my morning coffee buddy as I listened attentively, barked back with my own interjections and objections, and occasionally shot off an e-mail to follow up or give my input as to the weekly discussion. On a few occasions, I was given a courteous reply and chuckled at the responses full of charm, wit and intelligence. He will be sorely missed, but alas life for the living goes on.
So just remember, every day is a special occasion. Do not give in to the facade of "This Is Your Special Day" (buy this, do that, spend money and all your guilt will go away - P.S. - The more you spend, the more you show how much you love so and so) B.S. Hallmark loves it and so do all the retailers who profit from your inability to differentiate what matters and what's fake.
Today is the "Special Occasion" of Every day! Don't be fooled and don't get caught up in the hype... for tomorrow may be too late to celebrate.
Tell your loved ones that you love them as often as possible and do the little things more often. Trust me, making lots of little memories is better than a necktie, flowers or brunch one day a year.
On that note - I love you all and just wanted to tell you that - today and every day! {{{HUGS}}}
