Father's Day

Back at the Y today. Tomorrow will be my last day before heading off to Joni and Friends, a special needs family camp which I work at in the summer. Today is Father's day. 11 o clock church was relatively empty--I presume that people were out enjoying Father's day brunches. It is weird this year to have no one to whom I can say "happy father's day". Last year, I remember sitting at my dad's apartment, he in bed, barely able to sit up, and his four children, his mother, and one of his brother's cramped into his small bedroom. We sat around and exchanged stories, my grandmother telling us about her ex-boyfriends and how, oddly enough, many of her children were named after them. But this year, I am spending my day working at the YMCA. My view of a father has changed many times over the past few years. I grew up with my father, but he left when I was 9. I didn't really like dads after that. And I had to seek out a father figure in the Lord. He is and has always been the perfect dad. My father and I mended our relationship, but now he is gone after a three year battle with lung cancer. In the past couple of years, he became a rock for me, a counselor, and a wise mentor. He has helped shape me into who I am today--always pushing me to pursue my passions, even if they were absurd or pointless.
On a different note, last night I went to my friend Neesha's graduation party. It reminded me of a Bar Mitzvah party or wedding reception. I walked into the room, and all I saw was a room full of saris. I made my way over to the tables reserved for Hockaday students and quickly took my seat. After a night of wonderful Indian food, singing, and speeches, the dancing commenced. My friends and I slowly made our way to the dance floor, unsure how exactly to dance. We gravitated towards a small Indian girl, Neesha's five-year-old cousin, and decided to follow her. She showed us her best moves, and we attempted to copy her complicated hand motions. And these motions were not unaccompanied by spunk and attitude in her step and facial expression. As the dance floor population dwindled, we made our way to gather our purses and left the hotel ballroom--fully pleased with our Indian party experience.

Happy father's day to all the dad's out there-what a blessing to have father's who love and care for us!