I Don't Remember Saying It Was Okay 6/15/2025

 Good Morning,

I started my day with a stiff cup of Door County Heroes Blend Coffee, and some prayer. It is time to write.

Proverbs 20:29 The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old. 

I want to extend a virtual hand shake to all the dads on this Fathers Day 2025. May your day be peaceful and find you rested. 

If I could go back in time today I would stop it and there would be a small fishing boat, some cigars and two men and a boy. I would be fishing with my dad and my grandfather on a small lake in Northern Michigan. Most of the conversation for the day would take place in the car on the way to the lake. Those were the guys who for me had all the answers, and handed out advice whether you wanted it or not. My grandfather was one who would extend a handshake that was firm and reassuring, place his big hand on your shoulder and let you know that you were loved. I watched those two work together to launch the small boat, then light those cigars (supposedly the smoke kept the mosquitoes at bay) . Together they were poetry in motion. For the longest time, they were there and always available for advice. They shared the duties on the "Men in the family". Then one of them was gone and my world was different. I only had one set of ears that would listen and only one willing to hand out advice. Then one day there was none. And on that day I became the Dad, Uncle, Grandpa and husband who was supposed to be the strong one and have all the answers. 

I don't recall accepting the new job as the oldest man in the family. It did not seem to be an option to not take over the position. This past year has had plenty of twists, turns, surprises good and bad. And there were times that I wished I could turn the world around the other way. These past few months have found me missing those two more than ever. What I wouldn't do to have that hand on my shoulder this morning. I would even be happy to run up the hill back to the car to grab the night crawlers they forgot! 

My point for the day is this. Men, you were being groomed a long time ago, to take on a job that you might not want. That hand on your shoulder and one stinky cigar was your graduation day. You did not know that you were waiting in the wings to be their replacement. I know I never said "I am ready, let's go". So embrace your family today and every day. Step up to the plate and if needed suck it up buttercup.  Never let them know that the man wished he was still a boy and would go running back to that fishing hole if he could. 

Pray for your family daily and remember this. Let them know how much they are loved and don't give a twelve year old a cigar.  

God bless,

Marty