Dads live with doubt. Even when you see your kids out of the nest and pursuing their dreams on their own, you wonder if you did your best as a parent. Those days my two kids were born were the most thrilling days of my life, and I am so thankful I had 18 years to watch each of them grow into adulthood.
As Father’s day rolls around each year, I am grateful that my dad and step-dad are both still alive and kicking. And I reflect on my own role as a proud father. I made plenty of mistakes in my life and I didn’t always get my priorities straight. Live and learn, they say. But I worked hard and played hard with my kids, and continue to love them and hope for the best for them. Honestly, Father’s Day is an emotional day for me.
So this morning, as I was paying my bill at Perko’s after an awesome Toastmasters meeting, Don the manager said he was paying for my breakfast as a gift for Father’s Day. I tried to refuse, but he said “No, I really appreciate you and the club coming here. And I know you’re a dad because I hear you bragging about your kids all the time.”
For a rather talkative guy, I stood there speechless. I don’t know exactly what it was about that particular moment, but Don’s simple gesture meant the world to me. My eyes got misty. I wished him a Happy Father’s Day and walked slowly to my car with a big smile on my face.
Simple gestures do not cost much… in this case, only 8.99 plus tax. But the value was immeasurable to me. When the feeling hits you to extend a simple gesture of kindness to someone else, go for it.
That ripple may become a tidal wave of goodwill.
Thank you for this reminder.