It’s hard to believe that 10 years have officially passed since the last time I was able to share Father’s Day with my dad. For some reason, it was an unforgettable day, a very special Father’s Day, and I will always treasure the memory of that afternoon. Looking back, I am grateful to God for making it such a memorable occasion, knowing as He did that I would never again have that opportunity.
We met up with my parents in the late afternoon for an “early supper” at Landry’s Seafood Restaurant in Addison. My dad was not always the greatest about giving gift ideas, and he hadn’t really dropped any hints in my recent memory, but I was particularly excited about the gift I had picked out for him this year. We enjoyed a delicious meal, pleasant conversation, and good service, but what I remember most happened after the meal when I presented him with his gift: the Bob Carlisle CD, “Butterfly Kisses.” The song had been at the top of the charts for several weeks, and I just knew it would be the perfect gift from Daddy’s little girl.
And Daddy didn’t disappoint. The look on his face when he opened it was priceless: a mixture of pride, emotion, and a flood of memories that made him misty-eyed. We looked at each other with smiles hiding the tears, and then right there in the middle of the restaurant, this 28-year-old yuppie DINK and her seminary-professor dad leaned over and gave each other butterfly kisses. Nope, you’re never too old for that. I’m sure we got some odd looks, but it didn’t matter to either of us. Those were the last butterfly kisses I ever received from my dad. I’ve saved them in my heart ever since.
Dad never listened to that CD. From what I know, he never even opened it. But he didn’t need to. He had the real thing. Since his passing, I’ve never been able to listen to that song, and I doubt I ever will. Even after 10 years, the emotion is still too raw. I will always cherish the memory, however, and will share it with my children when they are old enough. For now, though, I am content to pass along the tradition of sharing butterfly kisses with my own children. And maybe someday, when they are grown, I’ll find myself on the receiving end of this precious expression of love and gratitude.