It’s been about nine years since my father passed away, and although the overwhelming and all-consuming grief that took over my life in the weeks/months following his unexpected death has gradually turned into something more manageable (I’m still sad, and I still miss him, obviously- but I can make it through my days without completely breaking down at the mere mention of his name)– Father’s Day is still often a difficult time to get through for my family and I.
It wasn’t until a few years ago when I, tired of spending every Father’s Day since his death crying and grieving and not doing much of anything, really- decided to take the day back and make it celebratory again. My dad wanted me to live a full and happy life- one filled with love, adventures and prosperity. He’d never want me to just give up in despair- so now every Father’s Day my mother and I spend the day together. We look at old photos, share memories- and often load up Oliver in the car and go for a drive, go out to eat, enjoy an afternoon at the beach, etc. It’s our way of honoring my dad while simultaneously creating new and happy traditions for the years to come.
That’s not to say there’s no tears- because of course there are- sad ones for what we’ve lost, but also happy ones for what he were fortunate enough to have. Thankfully, the laughter as we share stories about past family vacations, botched home repairs, and holidays together outweighs the tears.
This past weekend, I took my mom and Oliver out to my neck of the woods to spend Father’s Day in and around the Pioneer Valley- where we had a wonderful and sunny afternoon filled with shopping and grabbing lunch in Deerfield before we swung by my favorite roadside, 1950s-inspired ice cream parlor in Granby for a couple of milkshakes and fries. It was the perfect Summertime excursion and it made what could have been a sad day a lot more fun.
I’m hoping that for Father’s Day next year, especially now that so many things are opening back up and my mom and I are fully vaccinated- I can take her out of state, preferably somewhere quaint and pretty- for a couple of days of rest and relaxation. A true girls weekend- since we’re definitely long overdue for one! We’ll see how it goes come 2022.
As far as this coming weekend- I’m catching up with old friends I haven’t seen since before the pandemic, seeing a movie in theaters for the first time in over a year, and planning for the upcoming Fourth of July celebrations- although I’ve got a few posts lined up for next week to close out June, first.
‘Til next week!
xo
Coffee & Chiffon 