Happy Father’s Day

BY Aprile McKinnon

Happy Father‘s Day! Today is a day to celebrate all the amazing dads out there, including you. So sit back, relax, and let me entertain you with some heartfelt words and a sprinkle of humor.

First of all, let‘s talk about this weekend. I hope you have a fantastic time filled with unforgettable memories, sizzling BBQs, contagious laughter, and all-around great fun here on the lake. It‘s the perfect occasion to kick back and enjoy some quality time with family and friends.

Speaking of BBQs, I have a confession to make. Today, I‘ve decided to take on the challenge of cooking for my father. BBQ, that is. Well, let‘s just say I have my fire extinguisher handy, just in case. But hey, it‘s the thought that counts, right?

Dad, I want to take a moment to thank you for sticking around when it could have been so much easier to run off. You know, statistics say that the divorce rate in families with a child with disabilities can be as high as 87%. And when it comes to families with a child with autism, it‘s around 80%. It‘s not just the marriage that gets stressed, but the whole family, including us siblings. So, thanks for weathering the storm with Mom and us.

You and Mom got married when you were just mere kids yourselves, and boy, have you climbed some steep mountains together. You showed your love by being at every softball game, performance and carrying around that gigantic video recorder on your shoulder to film it all.

Let’s not forget the many jobs you had to make sure my brother was well taken care of. And your love for bowling…I tried to make you proud when I took on the championship title as a kid. Then as an adult I have been trying to just break a 100. Sorry Dad.

Sometimes I felt like I had to compete with that sport for your attention. But deep down, I always knew you loved my brother and me more. You have enough balls to open your own bowling store, and I know how much you like them to be shiny. Many times they have been used in the yard for what people thought were decorations, but no you were just drying out your balls. Yikes! We even have a ball shiner that you made yourself in the garage, among some of your many other quirky inventions.

Life hasn‘t always been a walk in the park, and I know you‘ve always wished for a “normal” child. Well, Dad, guess what? I wanted a normal dad too, but we both know that‘s not happening. We‘re a special kind of crazy, and I wouldn‘t have it any other way.

You‘ve taught me that life‘s quirks and imperfections are what make it interesting and worth living. Plus, I have lots of stories for that book I am hoping to write. Who else can say they have a father who looks like Danny Devito? That is pretty cool!

So, on this Father‘s Day, I want to raise my glass (filled with a questionable concoction I‘ve made just for you) and toast to the best dad a crazy child like me could ask for. Thank you for your unwavering love, support, and for never running away when things got tough. You‘re a true superhero, even without the cape.

To all the fathers out there, enjoy your day. Be thankful for your kids, as odd as we might be. Acceptance is the key! Much love to all this weekend. Happy Father’s Day.