Father’s Day is definitely an underrated holiday. Where would we be without them? Not here, for sure. My dad has been gone for over 20 years now. There are days when something will just pop up in my head and remind me of him. I recall some difficult times and some fun ones.

My father was a simple man who worked 2 jobs to support us, because he wanted my mom to stay home and raise me and my older brothers. He was also complicated. Gambling was a vice and a diversion for him. He enjoyed horse racing and playing cards with the guys. Sometimes I felt as though I didn’t really get to see that much of him.

We had our moments together as father and daughter. They were few, but they were memorable. It was more than once that he took me to the ballgame. Third base seats and nothing else. Then after the game, we would stop for a hoagie at a local sandwich shop that was popular back in the day. As a family we would do many day trips. The Shenandoah Valley and Gettysburg come to mind. Money was never easy to come by back then either. There were no long excursions to the beach or to the mountains, but we had fun.

Truth be told, the one thing no one ever really knew about my dad was his talent and love of music. He played the piano and violin. What made it so special was that he could not read a note. He played by tone only. It was just something he could do. We inherited this second-hand piano from old neighbors. When dad sat down to play I just smiled. Unfortunately, I didn’t inherit his ear.

So it goes. I loved him and resented him at the same time. I wish he’d have been there more for me, my brothers and my mom. Time can never be made up. I could’ve done better too. Love you Daddy!