A Father’s Day in Trying Times
It’s a different Father’s Day for many reasons. The recent pandemic may be affecting your ability to see and be with your fathers (biological and otherwise) this year. Whether it’s traveling or staying safe by staying away, it’s a difficult situation right now.
It reminded me how much has changed since February 2020. And it reminds me of how much I took for granted when my father was with us, and we could move about freely with no restrictions. I was always so busy with life and those so important endeavors that mean little now in the big scheme of life.
It always seemed like my work or the five-hour trip limited my trips to visit him. I’d push all of that aside and take that trip if he were here today.
In those days, we didn’t have virtual communications. My dad wasn’t into technology except for the wireless headsets that allowed him to watch television without everyone for a mile radius hearing it too. He was smart, but simple, and never bought into the next big thing.
So if we wanted to see him in person, we had to pick up the phone and tell him we were coming or just show up. He was always happy to see us and ready to feed us– six of us girls and our families.
The special occasions—his birthday, Father’s Day, Christmas—we didn’t miss a chance to celebrate with him
Those times zipped by too fast. As a boomer today, older and wiser, I didn’t realize how quickly at the time.
Thinking about those having to stay away because of the imposed isolation makes me sad. I hope that they will find a way to stay close during this time.
I can’t imagine not being with my dad when he went into the hospital, not having my sister advocate for his care in person, and not being with him when there was nothing more to do, and he came home with hospice care. We sat with him for two days at home before we let him know it was okay to go, and he left us to be with His heavenly father.
I pray for those who can’t be with dad because of the isolation; I pray for those who may have lost their dad during this pandemic with all the restrictions—who may have not been able to have a proper funeral; I pray for those struggling to decide whether to be with him right now. We do the best we can in these difficult times.
I know what my dad would have wanted.
By Yolanda Gray
Yolanda Gray is a faith-based coach, speaker and author for the Christian professional woman who feels trapped by an out-of-control lifestyle. She works with them to take back their lives from exhausted, overwhelmed and anxious to living in God’s purpose and power, authentically and confidently. She hosts and facilitates energizing, interactive, thought-provoking workshops and empowering restorative retreats. Yolanda earned a Bachelor's degree in Human Development, a Master’s degree in Human Relations and a certification in Professional Life Coaching through P4 Coaching Institute—an ICF accredited program. Contact her at yolandagray.com or email: [email protected]
I know exactly how you feel. It brought back memories of my Dad and how in his final days that I got the chance to fly to see him. I had the chance to sit by his side and I got the chance to see him take his last breath. Memories…some good and some bad, some happy and some sad, but that is how we live this thing we call “life”.
I remember dad always smiling in all his pictures. The last picture with his sisters and brothers truly tells of his happiness with his family. He loved his family. We were very fortunate to have so much love for our father. We miss him.
Praying for those who are not able to hug their father living today in this crazy time.
Good read!