Happy Father’s Day, Dad

Baseball great Babe Ruth played his last game 76 years ago June 2.

June 6 marks the 67th anniversary of D-Day. Cowboy acting legend John Wayne rode off into the sunset for the final time 32 years ago June 11.

Ben Franklin proved that lightening is electricity June 15, 1752. And Hurricane Audrey proved that electricity was no match for her fury, as she knocked out power and pummeled the Louisiana/Texas border on June 24, 1957.

June also marks a number of lesser-known, unusual celebrations in the U.S. For instance, it’s National Candy Month, Iced Tea Month, Lady Lawyers Month, Rose Month, Soul Food Month and Skyscraper Month.

June 2, my personal favorite, is Leave the Office Earlier Day … sorry boss. On the 8th, we celebrate Upsy Daisy Day. The 14th is set aside for Flag Day. The 22nd is Stupid Guy Thing Day; and June 30 is Leap Second Adjustment Day, whatever that means.

As if that whirlwind isn’t enough, June 19 is Father’s Day. That one day a year dad is obligated to smile across the world’s ugliest tie and know that the faces eagerly awaiting his reaction love him dearly.

I’ve long said I had no idea how challenging parenthood was until I became one. And as a single mom, my dad has performed double duty with my 17-year-old. After surviving the challenges hurled his way by my two brothers and me, my dad has managed to live to fight another day.

He’s been indispensable as his roles evolved: provider, protector, nurturer, teacher and, in time, friend. Throughout it all, my siblings and I have learned what character, dedication and unconditional love really are.

So, for all the patched skinned knees (or softball sprains, in my case) and broken hearts, lessons in driving, first a bike then the family car, for instilling time-honored values like hard work, respect, honesty and good citizenship, and for always being there, dad, thanks.

Instead of a tie, I got you a surprise … a little something in celebration of Adopt a Shelter Cat Month. Happy Father’s Day.