FATHER'S DAY

Father’s Day is a day set aside to give thanks to fathers and father-like figures. Hallmark, commercials, and Hollywood would have us think that all fathers want to go fishing, enjoy a hammock nap, or perhaps go to a hockey game (Congratulations, Panthers). This might be true for some fathers, but this past Sunday, Father’s Day, was very different for three dads.

With our regularly scheduled volunteer family away, we needed extra help. On a day that society gives permission for all dads to kick back and relax, Danville, EJ, and Nate did anything but that. As temperatures were in the 90s and air movement was nil, these dads gave me an eager and joyous “yes” when I asked them if they could help serve at Meals with Meaning. Though EJ’s adult daughter was away studying in NYC, his caring dad skills were ever present. Nate was working with his full of energy young son, Luke, smiling at each guest as if they were the only ones there. And Danville was giving out Bombas socks to our beloved guests as he watched from afar as his 2 adult sons (long-time grads of St. Gregory’s Youth Group) kept the food line stocked and running smoothly. He must have been quite proud to see them in action.

Though, I don’t personally have someone to call or write to on Father’s Day to say thanks for being my dad, I had the privilege to sit in the front row watching so many fathers lead by example with kindness, compassion, and love.

Thanks be to God for all the fathers in our lives. And a special thanks to Danville, EJ, and Nate.  

-Gena Vallee